The trend of blended learning in Taiwan: perceptions of HRD practitioners and implications for emerging competencies

The purpose of this study was to explore the status and future directions of blended learning in workplaces in Taiwan and to probe into emerging competencies of human resource development professionals. One hundred and twelve participants who worked in various types of organizations were surveyed. The survey results revealed that the most significant issue related to blended learning is a lack of understanding of what it is. Instructional strategies anticipated to be employed during the next few years included authentic cases, virtual teaming, problem-based learning and coaching. The technologies deemed useful were knowledge management technologies, cell phones and electronic books. When comparing different sizes of organizations, large enterprises were more likely to have adopted blended learning and to perceive diverse benefits related to blended learning. Based on these findings, we recommend additional professional development related to the design, development and evaluation of blended learning for practitioners in Taiwan.