Enablers and Barriers of Blended Learning in Faculty Development

Introduction Online learning provides a ubiquitous and self-paced learning experience, while face-to-face learning encourages commitment in a prescheduled formal instruction. Blended learning (BL) combines these two mediums and provides flexible learning opportunities. While faculty development programs have utilized these two mediums separately, BL has not been fully implemented locally until recently. Identifying elements that enable or hinder faculty within a newly implemented BL program can enhance the learning experience and support professional development. The current study aims to identify how junior and senior faculty members of medical departments at a Turkish university perceive enablers and barriers in a new BL faculty development program. Methods This research is a multiple case study with qualitative inquiry using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. Using a BL approach, the research team designed faculty development activities based on the Four-Component Instructional Design model. Participants accessed the activities on a Moodle learning management system. Faculty experiences in blended faculty development were examined. The study group consisted of 26 participants, with 14 junior faculty in case 1 and 12 senior faculty in case 2 from different medical departments at a Turkish university. Data were collected and analyzed using qualitative methods. Results This study identified enablers and barriers within a BL faculty development program. While participants identified three barriers, they identified eight enabling elements in a BL program. A lack of time was the most critical barrier to participation in the program. Setting goals for personal development and obtaining skills in teaching were essential enablers within the BL program. Conclusion The use of an online platform to support face-to-face faculty development programs is beneficial in several ways for faculty. Faculty developers can utilize BL to foster engagement and motivate faculty for increased participation, especially if they seek to mitigate known barriers to a successful BL program. Online communication and activities are suggested to develop communities of practice in the workplace. Strategies to eliminate workload and provide guidance on time management are required for both junior and senior faculty.