Redefining blended learning in risk management education: The efficacy of a dedicated Google Sites digital hub for INS456

Abstract

The rapid digitization of higher education demands the adoption of centralized, accessible, and interactive platforms to optimize Teaching and Learning (PdP). This paper investigates the pedagogical impact of utilizing a custom-designed Google Sites learning hub (https://sites.google.com/view/ins-456/home) specifically tailored for the course INS456: Risk, Insurance and Market Practices at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The study evaluates the effectiveness of consolidating course materials, project guidelines, interactive risk assessment rubrics, and asynchronous learning modules into a single web-based portal. Employing a mixed-methods research design, quantitative data encompassing web traffic analytics and comparative academic performance scores were collected alongside qualitative student satisfaction surveys from a cohort of 100 undergraduate business students. The findings reveal a profound correlation between continuous portal engagement and academic mastery, with the Google Sites cohort demonstrating an average 35% higher score in complex modules like underwriting and claims management compared to traditional pedagogical cohorts. Furthermore, the centralized hub drastically reduced cognitive load and administrative friction, fostering a robust environment for self-directed and project-based learning. This paper provides compelling empirical evidence supporting the institutionalization of customized educator-managed websites as a cornerstone of modern blended learning frameworks in business and risk management education.