Blended learning experience in a programming language course and the effect of the thinking styles of the students on success and motivation

Abstract

High-level thinking and problem solving skill is one requirement of computer programming that most of the students experience problems with. Individual differences such as motivation, attitude towards programming, thinking style of the student, and complexity of the programming language have influence on students’ success on programming. Thus, curriculums and learning environments should be designed in order to support students’ learning attempts and willingness to achieve the goals of the course. Blended learning is one of the educational approaches that used in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses in order to ease the learning process. In this manner, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of blended learning approach, consisted be blending face-to-face and e-learning approaches, on academic success and motivations of students with different learning styles in a programing language course. Results of the study showed that courses supported with online learning tools has a positive effect on students’ motivation, and correspondingly has a positive effect on academic success. In addition, the results revealed that introvert students need online learning tools more than others. Furthermore, it was found that thinking styles have an effect on motivation and academic success. Eventually, using blended learning approach in a programming language course has a positive effect of students’ motivation, academic success and satisfaction. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology.