BLENDED LEARNING IN THE HUMANITIES: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TRENDS IN UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITIES

Keywords: blended learning, humanities education, digital transformation, higher education in Ukraine, pedagogical innovation

Abstract

This article explores the transformation of humanities education in Ukrainian universities through the integration of blended learning models. Blended learning, combining traditional face-to-face instruction with digital technologies, has become a pedagogical necessity under the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical instability in Ukraine. The study is based on a mixed-methods approach, incorporating survey data from 40 educators and 200 students, as well as qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups. Findings reveal that while both groups recognize significant benefits such as flexibility, increased engagement, and improved digital literacy substantial challenges remain. These
include insufficient training in digital pedagogy, increased workload for educators, unequal access to digital infrastructure, and reduced interpersonal interaction. The study highlights the ways in which educators have adapted their instructional strategies, embracing flipped classrooms, interactive assessments, and multimedia resources. Students report greater comfort in asynchronous formats and higher motivation when interactivity and gamification are present. The findings underscore the importance of strategic planning, institutional support, and national policy development for sustainable digital transformation.
The article concludes with consultative considerations for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to enhance the quality and equity of blended learning in the humanities.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Arbaugh, J. B. (2010). Online and blended business education for the 21st century: Current research and future directions. Business Expert Press.

Boelens, R., Voet, M., & De Wever, B. (2018). The design of blended learning in response to student diversity in higher education: Instructors’ views and use of differentiated instruction in blended learning. Computers & Education, 120, 197–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.02.009

Bohomaz, K., Sorokina, L., Voronova, Z., Valuieva, N., & Kuzmenko, N. (2024). Humanitarian disciplines in the conditions of distance learning at the stage of higher education transformation in Ukraine. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange, 17(1), 256-272. https://doi.org/10.18785/jetde.1701.15

Bond, M., Bedenlier, S., Marin, V. I., & Händel, M. (2021). Blended learning in higher education – A systematic review of its effectiveness. Digital Education Review, 39, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1344/der.2021.39.1-19

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Eurydice. (2024). Ukraine: Digital transformation of education as a strategic path to resilience and innovation. https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/news/ukraine-digital-transformation-education-strategic-pathresilience-and-innovation

Graham, C. R., Woodfield, W., & Harrison, J. B. (2013). A framework for institutional adoption and implementation of blended learning in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 18, 4–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2012.09.003

Hrastinski, S. (2008). Asynchronous and synchronous e-learning. Educause Quarterly, 31(4), 51–55. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/11/asynchronous-and-synchronous-elearning

Hrytsak, L., Hrytsak, N., Mishchuk, N., Zhyrska, H., & Hryhorieva, V. (2023). Blended learning as a new educational paradigm. AD ALTA: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 13(2), 33–39.

Hrytsak, O., Kovtun, O., & Melnyk, O. (2023). Blended learning in Ukrainian higher education: Legislative challenges and perspectives. Journal of Educational Studies, 12(3), 45–58.

Husak, L., & Havryliuk, N. (2022). Technology of blended learning in institutions of higher education in Ukraine during wartime conditions. Education and Human Sciences, 2(1), 45–52.

Mayer, R. E. (2005). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. In R. E. Mayer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning (pp. 31–48). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511816819.004

McGee, P., & Reis, A. (2012). Blended course design: A synthesis of best practices. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 16(4), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v16i4.239

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2013). The effectiveness of online and blended learning: A meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Teachers College Record, 115(3), 1–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/01614681131150030

Nalyvaiko, N., & Nalyvaiko, O. (2021). Blended learning in medical institutions of higher education. Educological Discourse, 32(1), 101–111. https://doi.org/10.28925/2312-5829.2021.1.7

Nalyvaiko, O., & Vakulenko, A. . (2021). Canvas LMS: opportunities and features. Educological Discourse, 35(4), 154–172. https://doi.org/10.28925/2312-5829.2021.410

Volodavchyk, V., Vakal, A., Bielova, V., Netreba, M., & Monke, O. (2021). Effectiveness of blended learning technologies in higher educational institutions. Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers, 13(3), 178–188. https://doi.org/10.47750/jett.2022.13.03.018

Yurchenko, V., & Nalyvaiko, O. (2025). How ChatGPT shapes a new reality of writing: Is there a place for humans in an artificial world? Educational Challenges, 30(1), 138–155. https://doi.org/10.34142/2709-7986.2025.30.1.09

Published
2025-07-03
Cited
How to Cite
Zuiev, M. (2025). BLENDED LEARNING IN THE HUMANITIES: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TRENDS IN UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITIES. Scientific Notes of the Pedagogical Department, (56), 117-125. https://doi.org/10.26565/2074-8167-2025-56-12