Abstract:
Despite the fact that English tends to be a compulsory subject for most university students throughout
Sri Lanka, lack of active student interest and involvement serve as unique challenges for many
English language teachers. Several studies have suggested that there are specific reasons why many
freshmen students, in particular, lack the necessary motivation to pursue English. These reasons have
ranged from student dissatisfaction of teaching methods and materials to a more general feeling of
post-university entrance exam exhaustion.
Blended learning, a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, is seen as one of the most
important advancements of this century and a natural evolution of the learning agenda (Thorne, 2003).
Blended learning allows learners to benefit from many sides of both traditional and new ways of
learning, make innovation in an otherwise traditional university setting, and enjoy the experience.
Integrating research and practical examples offers a good base for initiating change in universities that
by definition are based on research. In this study it is intended to study the effects of technology
enhanced blended learning in the first year Arts program of the University of Jaffna.
