Navigating the Landscape of Blended Higher Education: Didactical Design Principles for Students’ Broad Development

Abstract

In recent years, blended teaching formats have become increasingly important in higher education. Designing effective blended education is challenging and requires a profound knowledge of digital tools and technologies, as well as the didactical proficiency to deploy them effectively and efficiently within the learning environment. However, little is known about didactical design principles to support teachers in creating an effective blended design. This chapter reports on the combined results of two independently conducted extensive literature reviews that investigated (a) didactical strategies, methods, and techniques concerning online education in the existing empirical research on higher education, and (b) the effects of different blended teaching formats, compared to face-to-face education, on learning outcomes and/or psychosocial outcomes in higher education students. It was found that blended education can enhance student achievement and psychosocial well-being, yet that the instructional approach plays a crucial role. Combining the insights of both studies has subsequently led to a series of evidence-informed recommendations to design effective blended education with a view to the broad development of students. Readers will be provided with practical guidance on how to implement these design principles in educational practice.