Evaluation of How the Blended Use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Can Impact on Learning and Teaching in a Specific Module

Abstract

This paper explores how the blended use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) can impact on student learning in a specific module within a small university in the UK. Students studying a module about crisis situations faced by children in different parts of the world were asked to contribute to online forums as part of their learning. Forty-seven students participated in the study. Student questionnaires, Moodle reports and student assessment grades were analysed to explore the benefits of online forums. In line with previous research, online forums were found to be popular with students and multiple perceived benefits were identified, such as flexibility, greater sense of community and enhanced higher learning skills. Analysis of student assessment grades suggests that online forums may also enhance student performance. However, a larger scale longitudinal study is necessary to determine this more clearly. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of viewing VLEs as a communication, collaboration and knowledge focused medium with the potential to enhance higher learning skills through the use of interactive online activities such as forums.

Keywords:

• learning
• teaching
• virtual learning environment (VLE)
• higher education
• blended learning