FACTORS DETERMINING BLENDED LEARNING RECEPTIVENESS AMONG MALAYSIAN ACADEMICIANS

This study aimed to reveal the level of blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians strictly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in examining the factors determining blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians. Malaysian higher learning institutions practised blended learning following learning method efficiencies and the significance of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2025. Five independent variables (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, organisational assistance, and literacy) were investigated in the study context. Specifically, 250 questionnaires were distributed to respondents during the working hours of chosen private universities. Smart Partial least squares (PLS) analysis tool is employed to examine the model fits and hypothesis testing. Findings show that all variables have a positive and significant relationship with the receptiveness of blended learning among academicians. Thus, this study shows that blended learning receptiveness is high, especially during pandemic and lockdown situations. This study proved essential for Malaysian academicians, specifically regarding blended learning utilisation and implementation. As blended learning was predictably time-consuming and deterred the implementation process, this study strived to promote blended learning among Malaysian educators. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the complete utilisation of blended learning using digital platforms. Most academicians could not conduct face-to-face classes due to the restrictions on physical contact. Hence, this study proved essential for educators in wholly implementing blended learning amid the outbreak.


INTRODUCTION
Technological advancement has generally impacted knowledge availability, transparency, and attainment.The education sector is currently undergoing a distinct transformation following the pandemic since 2020.Specifically, the digitisation of the education industry led to the incorporation of blended learning and subsequent conversion to novel educational modules.In Vo et al. (2017), 21 st -century blended learning reflected sophisticated educational concepts and styles.Graham (2006) stated that blended learning was initially an integration of face-to-face learning in class with computerised learning delivery.As such, the effect of blended learning on learner achievement was examined in diverse settings, such as higher educational programmes (Vo et al. 2017).Moreover, Horn et al. (2014) opined that blended learning involved a structured learning curriculum that enabled learners to obtain information and flexible learning (time and location-wise) using online delivery.
In Nor and Kasim (2015), blended learning instruments needed to be upgraded, reliable, and user-friendly for meaningful educational implications.Ceylan and Elitok Kesici (2017) asserted that blended learning instruments facilitated organisation and communication and monitored achievement apart from aiding online system-learning.As such, academicians should play a substantial role in ensuring blended learning success.Conventional classroom learning techniques seemed inefficient as learners differed based on gender, culture, and personality.Following the aforementioned variances, tertiary education has become more complex compared to previous years (Tempelaar et al., 2012).Hence, educators were required to plan efficiently on the nature and approaches of successful and appealing learning processes, such as the integration of face-to-face learning with digital elements.Despite the popularity of blended learning among many instructors, some failed to be interested and preferred to select conventional teachercentric classroom communication.

Malaysia Education Blueprint
The Malaysian government designed a detailed education blueprint encompassing rapid and efficient education system development until 2025 (Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, 2013).The blueprint was incorporated to facilitate blended learning, including the conversion from conventional classroom learning to blended learning strategies.

Problem statement
Although lectures have been extensively utilised as a tertiary educational technique, conventional teaching was currently denoted as passive teaching methods as learners were discouraged from critical knowledge selection (Francis Norwood et al., 2021).Additionally, Wolff et al. (2015) implied that face-to-face learning was inefficient as generation Z learners were more inclined towards technological implementation.For example, learners preferred to seek other appealing activities as a distraction rather than focusing in class.In this regard, face-to-face teaching strategies were not conducive for collaborative learning and deterred educators from incorporating higher-order thinking skills (Ananga & Biney, 2017).In line with Gomis-Porqueras and Rodrigues-Neto (2018), the shift from conventional education to a digital counterpart proved intricate for many tertiary level instructors.As such, this study strived to investigate the effects of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour control, literacy, and organisational aid on blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian educators.As the Covid-19 outbreak led to home-based online learning in several nations, including Malaysia, academicians were also required to work from home and utilise digital platforms to conduct classes albeit with low technological expertise (Hussein et al., 2020).Therefore, the objectives of this study are: (i) To investigate the level of blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians strictly during the Covid-19 pandemic.(ii) To determine the factors determining blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).

LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Blended learning receptiveness
The word 'receptive' is willing to listen to and accept new ideas and suggestions (Brown, 2020) or in other words receptiveness has the same meaning with acceptance but not adoption.In the pursuit of determining the receptiveness of individuals towards elearning system, a variety of models and theories of values exist (Hamzah et al., 2016).
Thus in this study the focus is to use Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1991) in determining the receptiveness of blended learning.Due to the heterogeneity of blended learning definitions, this research is focused only on the receptiveness of blended learning among Malaysian academicians.Mohd Azli Yeop, (2013) noted that diversity methods and use of technology in implementing blended learning activities has lead to the receptiveness of blended learning and this is proven with active participation of students and lecturers in conducting blended learning in class.

Blended learning during Covid-19 pandemic
With a global health crisis going on, higher educational institutions around the world are now started to changed their techniques of teaching and learning to a more convenient ways of delivering.The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been frightened the entire world.COVID-19 has urged experts to reconsider appropriate teachinglearning strategies that will be sustainable during the crisis (Saboowala & Manghirmalani Mishra, 2021).As a result, blended learning is one of the methods proposed by various academics and research scholars as a viable and best-fit alternative for universities for at least a few months post pandemic.(Saboowala & Manghirmalani Mishra, 2021).Bordoloi et al., (2021) explained that blended learning should be apply extensively especially during the Covid-19 lockdown because it allows both teachers and students to receive the necessary educational inputs, training, and skills even in the midst of a pandemic.

Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)
The underlying theoretical base in this study corresponded to TPB.It was theoretically predicted that intention was derived from attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control in line with behavioural intentions (Ajzen, 1991).Following TPB, desirable attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (over specific behaviours) led to higher behavioural intention (Zoellner et al., 2012).In the study context, attitude denoted Malaysian academicians' response towards the integration of blended learning techniques with teaching styles, whereas subjective norms denoted the extent to which Malaysian educators were inclined to implement blended learning methods.Meanwhile, perceived behavioural control demonstrated the ease or difficulty confronted by academicians in incorporating blended learning strategies.
In some studies, TPB and other technology adoption models and techniques have been used to examine the factors determining learning acceptance through blended learning.
For instance, (Raza et al., 2018) showed that TPB variables including attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour control have a positive and significant effect on the acceptance of blended learning in both Pakistani students n teachers.Results of a study done by (Cheon et al., 2012) also revealed that TPB is a determinant of intention of American students and lecturers to use blended learning approach.
Although there are many criticisms of theory of planned behaviour (TPB), such as the fact that it ignores unconscious motives and spontaneous choices (Yuzhanin & Fisher, 2016), it still gains theoretical and population generalisations due to its broad-based applications, and educational disciplines are no exception.Teachers' attitudes, for example, have been shown to influence students interest in blended learning receptiveness (Knauder & Koschmieder, 2019).Nevertheless, due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic crisis that would fit naturally to the TPB conception, thus there is a need for some modifications or additions of factors as authors want to see from other angles to enhance understanding of additional knowledge.

Blended learning
Blended learning offered innovative educational alternatives for most academicians and trainers with a successful combination of conventional and digitised learning.Consequently, students could download learning materials or flexibly attend virtual lectures.For example, learners might reflect more interest in the integration of blended learning elements regarding the course content.Driscoll ( 2002) stated that blended learning portrayed a fusion of teaching styles for educational goal attainment, whereas Garrison and Kanuka (2004) implied that the blending process denoted a combination of conventional face-to-face teaching methods and digital experiences for better educational outcomes (Garrison & Kanuka, 2004).

Attitude
Under social psychology, attitude initially reflected a tendency to behave in a specific manner towards an object (Gamble et al., 2018).A more specific definition by Eagly and Chaiken (1993: 1) within the aforementioned field implied that "attitude is a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favour or disfavour."For example, Ramos et al. (2011) revealed the main study experiences and outcomes from three distance education project initiatives in Cape Verde and Mozambique.Notably, educators hesitated to rethink and refine current strategies and be trained or counselled to fulfil students' educational needs.Resultantly, it was proposed that educators be trained to re-orientate relevant attitudes and practices (Hinneburg et al., 2020) to enhance the motivation in incorporating blended learning techniques (Ibrahim & Nat, 2019).As such, the following hypothesis was developed: H1: There is a significant relationship between attitude and blended learning receptiveness among academicians.

Subjective norms
Fishbein and Ajzen (2011) denoted subjective norms as "a person's perception that most people who are important to him or her think he or she should or should not perform the behaviour in question."Subjective norms encompassed the impact of important educators, colleagues, departments, and individuals on oneself.Kumar and Daniel's (2016) survey of 55 self-chosen lecturers among polytechnics in Fiji revealed that most participants were aware of other academicians' utilisation of different education-oriented technological instruments.The colleagues were also more inclined to encourage technological adoptions.On another note, Kanthawongs and Kanthawongs (2013) reported that only subjective norms and perceived usefulness were positively connected to learning management system (LMS) usage intention through multiple regression statistics.Predictably, students preferred to employ the LMS system if educators, friends, relatives, and family members facilitated system utilisation and efficiency for higher homework outcomes, learning success, and productivity in work processes.Hence, the following hypothesis was developed: H2: There is a significant relationship between subjective norms and blended learning receptiveness among academicians.

Perceived behavioural control
In Fishbein and Ajzen (2011), perceived behavioural control demonstrated the potential for behavioural performance.For example, perceived behavioural control assumably enabled instructors to perform specific behaviours (van Twillert et al., 2020).Ajzen (1991) also denoted perceived behavioural control as the observed ease or complexities involving behavioural performance.The statement corresponded to (Haron et al., 2012), wherein educators preferred familiar and convenient educational technologies as blended learning instruments when teaching.Somchai and Damnoen (2020) elaborated that perceived behavioural control led to higher intention levels through blended learning.
Additionally, both learners and instructors claimed to be technology savvy and prepared to implement digital and blended learning in education.As such, the following hypothesis was developed: H3: There is a significant relationship between perceived behavioural control and blended learning receptiveness among academicians.

Perceived literacy
Facilitators (teachers, academicians, or trainers) observed that digital literacy levels should be able to incorporate advanced hardware and software into the blended learning platform to ensure the fulfilment of teaching and learning aims (Tang & Chaw, 2015).
Given that the blended learning environment was structured through digital materials, examinations, and tests (Eryilmaz, 2015), educators required the necessary skills and expertise through technology.The fact that most educators were yet to master the fundamentals of computer usage might hamper the implementation of blended learning strategies (Nawaz & Kundi, 2010) (Badia et al., 2014).As such, the following hypothesis was developed: H5: There is a significant relationship between perceived literacy and blended learning receptiveness among academicians.

Independent Variables Dependent
Variable

METHODOLOGY
The inquiry paradigm for this study was post-positivism with a quantitative-method that involved conducting surveys in a selected case-site (a private higher learning institution) implementing blended learning.Furthermore, this study employed a random sampling method involving Multimedia University (MMU) educators in the Malacca, Cyberjaya, and Nusajaya campuses.Interestingly, MMU was selected as the population sample following the institution ranking (one of the best in Malaysia) that was awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for spearheading the Premier Digital Tech Institutes (Multimedia University Corporate Communication Unit, 2019).A selfadministrated survey questionnaire was distributed among MMU educators, wherein 214 valid questionnaires were received and employed for analysis with a response rate of only 21.4 per cent.Researchers have decided to change the analysis tools from using SPSS to Smart PLS due to in SPSS they must compute the AVE, Composite Reliability and weighted manually, while in PLS it is easy to assess the validity like convergent and discriminant and the reliability.

Subjective norm Blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians Perceived behavioural control
Perceived literacy

Perceived organisational support
In addition to the measure of attitudes, the analysis included five known correlates of attitudes develop by (Weng et al., 2018).Subjective norms and perceived behavior control was measured using the five-item scale developed by Smith (2015).Meanwhile, perceived organizational support was adopted from the work of Eisenberger et al., (2002) and perceived literacy items was adopted from the work of (Sum et al., 2018).In order to measure the independent variables, this study adopted the work of (Weng et al., 2018).The independent variables examined were attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour control, perceived literacy, organisational support, and interest, whereas the dependent counterpart was blended learning receptiveness among educators.The study data were then assessed with SPSS .The Pearson correlation and multiple regressions were also implemented to investigate the connection between independent and dependent variables.A five-point scale was utilised to identify the relevance level of a specific item (the lowest scale point denoted "strongly disagree," whereas the highest counterpart denoted "strongly agree.").Table 1 shows measurement items for all variables.

PBC4
Given the resources, opportunities and knowledge it takes to use the system, it would be easy for me to use the system.

Measurement model
Researchers employ SmartPLS3.0(Hair et al., 2015) in order to examine the research data and for that the report are drawn.Nevertheless, (Chin et al., 2010) determine that two-stage approach is used stages namely measurement model and structural analysis.
Table 3 shows that all factor loadings for the dimensions are greater than the recommended value of 0.7, implying their acceptability and confirmation on discriminant validity.As shown in Table 3, all items have high loadings on their constructs.This implies the battery items' acceptability to represent the constructs under consideration.
Following Table 4, reports the outcomes for AVE, composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha.The reported composite reliability exceeds the suggested value of 0.7 (Lee & Kozar, 2008).According to Fornell & Larcker, (1981),the AVE values for all constructs' AVE values are greater than the threshold value of 0.5, indicating convergent validity.Taber (2018) denoted that a Cronbach's Alpha value from 0.50 was deemed appropriate albeit being low, whereas values exceeding 0.70 denoted a high internal consistency.Consequently, all the study variables reflected sufficient reliability.
Discriminant validity is tested in accordance with Fornell & Larcker, (1981) recommendation.Table 5 shows the discriminant validity results, which reveal that the values for the square root of the AVE of the variables under investigation are higher than the threshold value of 0.7, indicating discriminant validity.

Structural model analysis
Table 6 report the outcomes of the structural model analysis.The analysis reported the R 2 value of 55.1% and adjusted R 2 value of 54.2%, generally considered a moderate effect size (Zikmund et al., 2013).In line with past research, these analysis was utilised as a statistical technique to examine the linear relationship between the dependent variable (blended learning adoption receptiveness) and independent variables (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, literacy, and organisational support) (Alariqi, Najafi, Abdulrab, Murray & Slimanzai, 2019).In this vein, the aforementioned technique proved essential in evaluating the significant relationship between dependent and independent variables.A p-value of 0.05 (5%) and 0.10 (10%) was also used in this study (the test would prove significant if the p-value was under 0.05 and 0.10).This research was performed to identify if different characteristics potentially affected educators' tendency to incorporate blended learning methods in classrooms.Hypothetically, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behaviour control, organisational support and literacy positively forecasted blended learning receptiveness.Following the structural analysis, 55.1 per cent of the variance in blended learning receptiveness could be explained with five factors.Based on the novel factor contributions of educators, the outcomes demonstrated that attitudes (β = 0.289, t = 2.97, p = 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.251, t = 1.914, p = 0.069), perceived behaviour control (β = 0.236, t = 2.987, p = 0.01), perceived literacy (β = 0.217, t = 3.421, p = 0.031), and perceived organisational support (β = 0.256, t = 2.545, p = 0.028)  and perceived behaviour control) was positively significant following Ulker-Demirel and Ciftci (2020) who revealed that all three constructs significantly influenced the development of intention.
The first objective of this research study was to investigate the level of blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians strictly during the Covid-19 pandemic.Result from the study confirmed that MMU academicians have no choice other than a need to conduct the blended learning approach during the pandemic and lockdown situation.Further, this is supported with a research done by (Mahyoob, 2020) that during the pandemic, online learning was the best option for continuing education, particularly in tertiary education.In addition, Bordoloi et al., (2021) also noted that the sudden outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly increased the use of blended learning.Nevertheless it is important to realize that blended learning receptiveness is not new to Malaysian academicians, however this teaching and learning strategies became crucial to all students n lecturers of MMU as an alternative ways to reduce or minimise physical contact.
The second objective of the study was to determine the factors determining blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).Research found that attitude is significantly determining the receptiveness of blended learning among Malaysian academicians.Specifically, MMU lecturers opined that blended learning was a successful teaching approach that substituted face-to-face teaching techniques, specifically during the outbreak.Result was supported by Wasserman and Migdal (2019) who revealed a significant correlation between educators' attitude and digital learning approaches.Similarly, Birbal et al. (2018) maintained that educators' attitudes towards blended learning potentially differed following environmental, atmospheric, and cultural components.Resultantly, attitude was significant towards blended learning adoption.
Second, subjective norm indicated a significant relationship towards blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians.In this vein, MMU educators conceded that colleagues and other surrounding individuals remarkably affected blended learning adoption intentions.Likewise, Verpoorten et al. (2020) affirmed that educators were affected by colleagues who utilised blended learning in at least one course.Perceived behavioural control also demonstrated a significant relationship with blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians.As it was believed blended learning was viable in the wake of the health crisis, this is parallel with previous study done by Somchai and Damnoen (2020) who conceded that the blended learning method presently conducted online amid the outbreak enhanced educators' readiness to adopt the technique towards increased and effective student participation.
It was also discovered that perceived literacy remarkably affected blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian educators.For example, over 83 per cent of MMU academicians possessed ICT knowledge and skills, specifically concerning blended learning platform utilisation.Likewise, (Pardede, 2019) denoted that high instructor participation in digital platform usage led to increased literacy skills in blended learning adoption.The study also revealed that perceived organisational support reflected a significant relationship with blended learning receptiveness among Malaysian academicians.For example, MMU educators firmly conceded that tertiary institutions should offer adequate facilities to perform blended learning, including good network coverage and blended learning platforms.The finding corresponded to a past study done by Ibrahim & Nat, (2019) that proposed educational institutions to prepare adequate facilities in promoting a blended learning environment.
The effect of the pandemic has impacted almost all sectors and educational institutions are no exception.The blended learning module has induced relevant parties (academic and non-academic staff and students) to implicitly engage in blended learning implementation.The study findings also offered useful insights into the emergence of blended learning as an effective digital instrument and valuable resource to determine various educational intricacies in MMU, particularly amid the outbreak.The convergence approach should then be promoted between traditional and online distance learning (ODL) institutions for a better collaborative experience so that learners from both modes can take advantage of learning at their own pace and place.

CONCLUSIONS 5.1 Research contribution
From the research analysis, it was found that all variables denoted a positive and significant relationship with the receptiveness of blended learning among academicians.Thus, this study shows that blended learning receptiveness are high especially during pandemic and lockdown situation.The contribution of the study will benefited both students and lecturers for which it will enhances the quality management of university itself especially in providing more training skills to academicians in which platform are fit to conduct blended learning.In addition, it will also develop a new perspective and understanding of receptiveness of blended learning during Covid-19 pandemic among students especially in Malaysia context.

Limitation and study forward
As this study solely involved MMU educators, the outcomes could not be generalised to other higher learning institutions.Additionally, the emphasis was placed on blended learning receptiveness among educators rather than students.Hence, future studies may involve other local public universities with different behavioural theories.Moreover, researchers do not further analyse the control variables in this research paper.Control variables are mainly the demographic data ( i.e,: gender, age and education level).Authors did not hypothesize the relationship with control variable because their focus was to determine the receptiveness of blended learning among Malaysia academicians mainly during pandemic.Thus, they did not include the control variables into the development of hypothesis.Therefore in future, it is recommended that study could be conducted to see the relation between control variables with blended learning receptiveness.
Al- Omar et al. (2019)2010) of the subject matter(Mitchell et al., 2012).For example,Alabi and Okemakinde (2010)discovered that inadequate facilities and basic infrastructure proved ineffective for educational planning.On another note,Al- Omar et al. (2019)implied that organisational support demonstrated an appositive relationship with employee engagement.Additionally, Ola and Alimi (2015) claimed that sufficient network infrastructure (high Internet speed, adequate service and assistance, and a reliable and affordable internet connection and hardware and software) were vital in a blended learning environment.The management was required to ensure that basic features (internet connectivity on campus) facilitated lecturers and students' task fulfilment with blended learning.Reportedly, educators digital literacies, educational Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, and Internet access were key determinants in blended learning implementation Alabi and Okemakinde (2010)l supportAlabi and Okemakinde (2010)opined that blended learning was challenging to implement due to inadequate organisational aid (specific facilities).Pro-technology learning policies and strategies were highly crucial in line with environmental concerns