International Journal of
Information and Education Technology

Abstract—Graduate unemployment rate in Malaysia is an increasing problem and often linked to a lack of problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills. This paper presents the development of blended learning environment through the integration of authentic learning strategies designed to enhance problem-solving skills amongst Malaysian undergraduate students. The learning environment was blended in its approach and centered on an authentic task. Student feedback was gathered and indicated a positive response towards authentic blended learning environments. Problem-solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, and communication skills were enhanced in this learning environment, providing encouraging support for the use of authentic learning strategies in technology-backed classrooms within higher education institutions.

Index Terms—Authentic learning, blended learning, problem-solving, web technologies.

Heidi Tan Yeen-Ju and Neo Mai are with the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia Univeristy, Cyberjaya, Malaysia (e-mail: yjtan@mmu.edu.my, neo.mai@mmu.edu.my).
Bhawani Selvaretnam is with the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Multimedia Univeristy, Cyberjaya, Malaysia (e-mail: bhawani@mmu.edu.my).

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Cite: Heidi Tan Yeen-Ju, Neo Mai, and Bhawani Selvaretnam, "Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills in an Authentic Blended Learning Environment: A Malaysian Context," International Journal of Information and Education Technology vol. 5, no. 11, pp. 841-846, 2015.