Reframing the principle of specialisation in legitimation code theory: A blended learning perspective

This study argues that in developing a robust framework for students in a blended learning environment, Structural Alignment (SA) becomes the third principle of specialisation in addition to Epistemic Relation (ER) and Social Relation (SR). We provide an extended code: (ER+/−, SR+/−, SA+/−) that present strong classification and framing to the architecture of blended learning while defining the impact of structural alignment in the trajectory. The subjects in this study were 500 undergraduate students drawn from three faculties in a university. Using a Structural Equation Model (SEM), we show that SR, ER and SA redefine the principle of specialisation in Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) which is necessary in enhancing blended learning. We conclude that whereas epistemic and social relations define the knower and knowledge code, structural alignment explains the infrastructure and policy framework that supports knowledge acquisition in a blended learning environment.