What Works and What Challenges in Blended Learning: A Qualitative Case Study of University Lecturers’ Perspectives at an Indonesian Public University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.7412552025

Keywords:

Blended Learning, Digital Technology, Higher Education, Instructional Effectiveness, Lecturer Perception

Abstract

This qualitative case study was conducted at a public university in Indonesia. Blended learning is an instructional approach that combines face-to-face meetings with online learning activities. Its effectiveness depends significantly on the appropriate integration of digital technologies, particularly during synchronous and asynchronous online sessions. This study explores university lecturers’ perspectives on the implementation of blended learning as experienced by students. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). The participants comprised 37 lecturers from Padang State University, with five of them participating in the FGDs. The findings revealed four dominant themes in lecturers’ perceptions: (1) technical challenges, (2) diminished social interaction between students and lecturers as well as among students, (3) instructional effectiveness, and (4) lecturers’ digital competence. A concise conceptual model shows that technical constraints directly reduce social interaction and instructional effectiveness, while lecturers’ digital competence can mitigate these effects through purposeful design and facilitation. The implications emphasize the need for structured institutional support, including reliable campus connectivity and learning management system uptime, a sequenced and sustained program of pedagogical upskilling for lecturers, and clear integration guidelines that align online components with course learning outcomes, so that blended learning is scalable and effective in developing country contexts with similar conditions. This study provides context rich evidence from Indonesia and contributes to the international literature on blended learning implementation.

Author Biographies

Izzanil Hidayati, Universitas Negeri Padang

Izzanil Hidayati is a lecturer in the field of Educational Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang. Her research focuses on higher education learning, blended learning, positive psychology, academic performance, and internet use.

Abdur Rahman, Universitas Syedza Saintika

Abdur Rahman is a lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the Psychology Program, Universitas Syedza Saintika. His research interests include problematic internet use, resilience, academic performance, and positive psychology.

Putri Sukma Deri, Universitas Negeri Padang

Putri Sukma Deri is a lecturer in Educational Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang. Her research areas focus on student engagement, emotion, academic performance, and positive psychology.

Meria Susanti, Universitas Andalas

Meria Susanti is a lecturer at the Psychology Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas. Her research interests include school readiness, online learning, motivation, and positive psychology.

Yantri Maputra, Universitas Andalas

Yantri Maputra is a lecturer at the Psychology Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas. His research focuses on school climate, brawling behavior, school readiness, and positive psychology.

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Published

2025-11-05

How to Cite

Hidayati, I., Rahman, A., Deri, P. S., Susanti, M., & Maputra, Y. (2025). What Works and What Challenges in Blended Learning: A Qualitative Case Study of University Lecturers’ Perspectives at an Indonesian Public University. Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 307–316. https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.7412552025

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Empirical Research

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