Hybrid Learning Environment in Higher Education: Conceptual Model Dimensions of Teachers' Competence for e-Learning Implementation

Abstract

In the past few years, under the influence of different trends, many higher education institutions have made great efforts to improve the process of adopting e-learning, as well as to enhance its quality.Hybrid learning environment is particularly significant e-learning model which is in this paper defined as systematically modelled educational environment. Based on the requirements and characteristics of the immediate learning environment (students and educational content) and wider learning environment (institutions), the hybrid environment is the origin of choosing and connecting the learning activities in traditional classroom (with or without the use of technology) with online learning activities in virtual learning environment (e-learning system), in addition to the mandatory interaction with the aim of successful realization of the educational goal. It is important to point out that virtual learning environments (VLE) are built in different e-learning systems (institutional or cloud) that represent one of the significant information subsystems of numerous higher education institutions aspiring to become virtual universities.The implementation of e-learning technology in academic practice is not a trivial matter since it includes wide range of knowledge, skills and competencies in different scientific areas (pedagogy, technology, sociology, psychology, etc.), especially while creating hybrid learning environments.