This study presents the main findings from the pilot implementation of a blended instructional strategy in one section of a multi-section course of introduction to programming with C++. The implemented strategy blended pre-recorded online lectures and homework assignments, with one weekly optional face-to-face meeting. The same instructor taught both the blended instruction and the traditional face-to-face lecture. The focus of this study was two fold: A) determine potential negative impact of the blended format, and b) identify the major predictors of final performance in this course. A one-way ANOVA analysis indicated no statistically significant differences in final course score between the control and the treatment groups. The analysis of a proposed path analysis model showed that self-efficacy, perceived engagement and perceived difficulty are significant predictors of students' final performance in the course.