Engaging Student Engagement in Blended Learning Environments through Integration of Small Private Online Courses

In recent years, blended learning has been increasingly adopted in higher education, with its benefits well-documented. However, little research has explored the student learning experience when integrating Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) into specific university courses. This study investigates undergraduate students’ perceptions of blended learning through the incorporation of SPOCs into the ‘Learning Science and Technology’ curriculum. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews to assess students’ experiences of the blended courses and perceptions of its implementation. The findings revealed that students viewed the blended learning experience and its implementation positively, contributing significantly to their engagement in the courses. Additionally, student’s interview responses predominantly reflected a favorable attitude toward the use of SPOCs within traditional classroom settings. This research provides a concrete empirical example of effective blended learning practices using SPOCs in a university context.