An investigation of adult learners' viewpoints to a blended learning environment in promoting sustainable development in China. (20th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yao, Chunlin
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 220(2019)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2019-05-20
• Subjects: Sustainable development -- Equality development -- Blended learning environment -- Adult education -- China; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to investigate Chinese adult learners' viewpoints of a blended learning environment in promoting sustainable development with the research methods such as hermeneutics and a semi structured survey. The research results reveal that Chinese adult learners believe a blended learning environment promotes sustainable development in at least three aspects within some degree. Firstly, with the characteristics of comfort and convenience for learning, a blended learning environment promotes sustainable development for adult education and continuing education. Secondly, a blended learning environment is an eco-friendly learning environment, which helps to construct a source-saving society. More importantly, a blended learning environment bridges the gaps in sustainable development between females and males and between those living in rural areas and those living in cities. It increases the opportunities for female and those living in rural areas to become educated and promotes sustainable development. The study hopes that the research results will be beneficial for education policy makers and practitioners interested in sustainable development. Highlights: It is a pioneer study to analyse the effectiveness of a blended learning environment in promoting sustainable development. It calls on sustainability studies on social equality development with new technology in education. It is of use to education policy makers and practitioners interested in sustainable development. It is only a case study in China from which the findings are derived.