%0 Journal Article %T Characteristics, Technology Capabilities, and Experiences of In-Service Teachers on the Use of Online/Blended Learning at a Tertiary Institution in Jamaica %A Cynthia Onyefulu %A Carmel Roofe %J Open Access Library Journal %V 6 %N 1 %P 1-22 %@ 2333-9721 %D 2019 %I Open Access Library %R 10.4236/oalib.1105147 %X
Students¡¯ success in the online environment seems to be inextricably linked to learner characteristics and experiences related to the use of information and communication technologies. An increasing number of in-service teachers are being encouraged to pursue continuing education via the use of these technologies. This study examined learner characteristics, experiences, and technological capacities possessed by 55 in-service teachers pursuing postgraduate studies using the online/blended learning approach. The paper was also aimed at determining if there are differences in the views expressed by the male and female in-service teachers on learner characteristics, experiences, and technological capacities. Five research questions guided the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis. The findings indicated that a majority of the in-service teachers possessed the characteristics and technological capacities needed to succeed in the online learning environment. The findings also showed that most of the in-service teachers had the characteristics needed to do online/blended learning, had basic technology capabilities needed to succeed in an online/blended learning programme, and the in-service teachers had different experiences with the online/blended learning approach. Recommendations were towards making the in-service teachers¡¯ experiences more desirable.
%K Online/Blended Learning %K In-Service Teachers %K Learner Characteristics %K Technological Capacities %K Online Learner Experiences %U http://www.oalib.com/paper/5302890