A Study of Virtual Learning Environment with Reference to the Perceived Preparedness of the College Students in Tamil Nadu (South India)

Abstract

This study intends to understand student’s perception and preparation for a Web-enabled learning. The purpose of this study is to asses the preparation of learners to adapt to the virtual learning environment, (VLE) as all students are expected to be computer savvy if they are to participate in the VLE. This research paper investigates the preparation and attitude of the students towards the online virtual learning environment, and the conditions under which web-based courses are or are not accepted by students. Data were collected from the questionnaires completed by the 350 students enrolled in self-financed and aided colleges in Chennai and Tamilnadu, having prior experience with open education resources such as wikepaedia, Blogs, U-Tube digital libraries and other multimedia applications. The questionnaires for the study were developed from the framework of Technology acceptance model (TAM) developed by Davis Bagozzi and Warshaw (1989) and Pedagogical theories from educational research and group interaction/Social theories from social psychology and sociology. Two aspects, instructional and interactive, are considered in this study. The instructional aspect of a VLE refers to the providing study materials & Learning resources via the World Wide Web, that are relevant to the pedagogical theories from educational research. The interactive aspect is related to group interaction/ social theories from social psychology and sociology. This empirical study centers on understanding students perception and skills within these two aspects which is considered essential in assessing students readiness towards web based courses. It is assumed that with the increased capacity and potential of the information networks there will be a growing number of students using electronic resources in order to pursue their education, thus research will help the policymakers and educational institutions in assessing the needs and demands of VLE. The study will help in understanding the student’s perception towards VLE, thus improving the design of VLE for further improvement.