Use Of Virtual Learning Environments Research Articles

Desarrollo de competencias digitales docentes mediante entornos virtuales: una revisión sistemática

The purpose of this research is to analyze the acquisition of teachers’ digital competencias through the use of virtual environments and information and communication technologies to improve the teaching-learning process. A systematic review was conducted through the search and compilation of empirical studies over five years (2019 to 2023), in the specialized databases: Scopus, Redalyc, SciELO, and the academic search engine Google Scholar. Based on the PRISMA statement, and through inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of fourteen research papers were selected. After examining them, it was possible to identify how digital literacy through the use of virtual learning environments influences the development of teaching work and performance and consequently also contributes to student learning. Among the digital skills most used by teachers that have allowed innovation and improvement of the teaching process are mainly the management of information and mastery of digital tools for the creation and management of educational resources.

Design and implementation of virtual laboratories for higher education sustainability: a case study of Nankai University

Laboratory learning has a vital role in science education. With the application of information technologies in educational domain, virtual experiment has become an effective supplement to traditional experimental teaching. Moreover, virtual experimentation can expand experimental field, enrich teaching content and reduce experimental risk, which provides strong support for the sustainable development of higher education. Using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), computer simulation and interaction, we developed two public virtual laboratories and 41 virtual-simulation-experiment projects. They are integrated into an interactive learning environment, that is, virtual experiment learning management platform. The method is based on ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). In this paper, one virtual-simulation-experiment project is taken as a case study. The project includes 4 virtual practical activities mapped to the medical courses; and they were implemented in the third year of the bachelor’s degree. The proposed virtual learning environment has been evaluated by learners for 2 years. The results achieved and similar findings from other studies, show that the use of virtual learning environment has a positive impact on the learning process and outcomes.

Virtual Learning Environment in a Philippine Higher Education Institution: Acceptance and Practices

Acceptance and practices in the use of virtual learning environments in Philippine higher education institutions should be explored to provide insights for its long-term implementation and to sustain quality education. This study extends the technology acceptance model to include perceived pedagogical impact and personal innovativeness, and examines the prevalent practices in the utilization of the virtual learning environment in a higher education institution in Cebu City, Philippines, in accordance with the principles for Universal Design for Learning. Participants in the study included 567 students who completed an online survey questionnaire. This quantitative study utilized structural equation modeling that revealed how perceived pedagogical impact and personal innovativeness have a significant impact on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, respectively. Also, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are both related to behavioral intention to use, which influences the actual use of the virtual learning environment. The results demonstrated how various practices and strategies were perceived by the students as being frequently used in the virtual learning environment by using the average of the weighted means. The list was topped by student-teacher interactions and student-platform interactions, with timely feedback coming in last. The findings suggest that higher education institutions may assess students’ innovativeness and perceptions of the impact of virtual learning environments right from the start. Enhancement programs may subsequently be implemented. Furthermore, faculty members may be trained in the use of digital tools to hone the time management skills of students and implement cooperative learning activities and effective feedback mechanisms in the online mode.

Use of virtual learning environment in teaching Malay language in national secondary schools

Use of virtual learning environment in teaching Malay language in national secondary schools

Virtual Learning Environments as an Assessment Tool in Covid-19 Pandemic

Increasingly, the methods of measurement and evaluation in distance education applications have been discussed in light of the pandemic. In this study, the use of virtual learning environments in higher education as an assessment tool has been examined. The chosen platform for this purpose was the UKEY (Uludağ University Institutional, Educational, and Research Activities Governance System) virtual learning platform. During the 2019-2020 academic year, when the pandemic had a significant impact, online open-ended questions were posed to 46 academics who used the UKEY platform. The preparation of open-ended questions was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-2 (UTAUT-2). Research was designed as a case study, and the collected data was subjected to descriptive analysis. Member checking method was utilized, and how the themes were interpreted was reviewed through semi-structured interviews with five participants. According to the results of the study, the behavioral intentions of the participants towards using the UKEY platform varied. It was found that the platform partially met performance expectations but required considerable effort. Facilitating conditions had a positive impact on users, and in the context of social influence, student behaviors significantly affected the academics. UKEY had not yet become a habit, and these variables were found to have a significant impact on usage intention. The results of the study were discussed within the framework of concepts such as online anonymity, the integration of technology with a pedagogical perspective, and the need for a paradigm change in education.

Impact of the online propaedeutic course of the students of the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, during the last 5 years

The use of virtual learning environments has been introduced to schools for a long time, however, in recent years due to the confinement due to the COVID19 pandemic in 2020, higher education (and at all levels educational) suffered a change too fast and therefore the use of these virtual platforms was accelerated to comply with the confinement regulations implemented by the governments of the world. For this reason, the implementation of the online preparatory course to enter engineering and level their knowledge, considering the previous situation, becomes significant as it impacts the training of the engineer. To apply the online propaedeutic course, a survey was carried out before and after it in Google Form with the aim of knowing the perception of the use of this modality of the course. What led to relate what was specified in other studies where it is expressed that today's youth are digital natives, but without a doubt we are also sociable by nature, so we need to interact to learn and relate, which requires the intervention and guidance of a teacher.

Web-based Clustering Application for Determining and Understanding Student Engagement Levels in Virtual Learning Environments

The increasing use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) in recent years has transformed teaching and learning methods. Universities now combine VLEs with traditional classrooms to accommodate hybrid teaching and learning approaches. However, student engagement with VLEs varies, and universities lack the tools to effectively determine and analyse VLE engagement. Consequently, data-driven decision-making regarding VLE usage remains a challenge for universities. This study thus proposed a user-friendly web-based application, using a R shiny framework, to determine and understand student engagement levels in VLEs. In this study, two clustering methods, K-means and Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) were compared, to identify the most effective method for the proposed application. The results indicated that GMM outperforms K-means by generating more accurate and comprehensive groupings of student engagement levels. One key advantage of the GMM method is its ability to capture uncertainty and provide probabilities of student membership in each level of engagement, which enhances its usefulness for decision-making. Furthermore, the GMM method achieves these outcomes efficiently, saving valuable learning time. This research holds significant implications for education by providing valuable guidance for the development of Educational Data Mining (EDM) applications. Universities can leverage these applications to gain deep insights into VLE usage and enhance their understanding of student engagement. By adopting this web-based application, educators and administrators can make informed decisions and tailor interventions to optimize student learning experiences within VLEs. Keywords: Virtual Learning Environments, Student Engagement, Clustering.

Usability of a Virtual Learning Environment in Down Syndrome Adult Learning

The use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) is becoming increasingly common in teaching. Nevertheless, analysis of how effective these prove to be for the learning of persons with disabilities remains scarce. In this study, we work with a sample of 34 people aged between 16 and 44 (14 women and 20 men) who have Down Syndrome. The aims of the study were to (1) explore whether there were any significant differences before and after teaching when using a VLE; (2) determine whether the frequency of use and time spent on the VLE impacted learning outcomes; (3) examine clusters vis à vis learning behaviour in the VLE; and (4) gauge perceived user satisfaction with the use of the VLE. Significant differences in learning outcomes before and after teaching using a VLE were found. The frequency and time spent using the VLE were seen to have no impact on learning outcomes. Three clusters were identified in terms of VLE behaviour, and perceived user satisfaction with the VLE was high. There is a need to increase the number of studies addressing the impact of VLEs on learning in persons with different disabilities.

Virtual learning environments as mediators in continuing education in the state of Amazonas

The text presents the results of the research that analyzed with the Actor-Network Theory (TAR) the connections and controversies of the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) within the Amazonas State Public Education Network. With predominantly qualitative characteristics, it had in the theoretical-methodological guidelines present in TAR and in the principles of the cartographic method in Deleuze and Guattari (1995; 2000) and clues to follow the actants understood the human and non-human actors in their networks of associations. With TAR, we followed the initial controversy and its unfoldings that elucidated the action of the AVA both as mediator and as intermediary in the collective that participated.

University-Wide Digital Skills Training: A Case Study Evaluation

Digital competencies and confidence are thought to be critical to success in higher education. However, despite learning frequently taking place online through the use of virtual learning environment and tools such as lecture capture, and evidence to counter the idea of digital nativity, these critical skills are often not explicitly taught at university. In the present study, we describe the development and evaluation of our Essential Digital Skills programme, which is a university-wide digital training programme designed and implemented at a large London university, aimed at new students but open to all students at the University. Using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model, we demonstrate that the programme provided effective training in digital skills for all students but that individual differences exist in the training experience, notably around ethnicity and student status, with Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students and international students feeling that the training made a greater contribution to their skill levels and resulted in greater behaviour change and impact, as well as intention to undertake further training.

Role of social factors, self-efficacy and technological support on the use of virtual learning environment among teachers

<span lang="EN-US">Virtual learning environment (VLE) has been introduced in educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities to encourage a systematic online teaching and learning platform. This paper aims to examine the effect of social factors, self-efficacy, and technological support on the utilization of VLE in the educational process. A quantitative approach was employed and the data was collected through a set of questionnaires administered to selected respondents. A total of 356 accounting teachers from secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia were chosen as the samples. A reflective measurement model in partial least square-structural equation modeling was utilized to measure the effect of the exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable. Results indicated that social factors namely (colleagues, administrators, and school culture) significantly affect the use of VLE among teachers. Further, self-efficacy and technological support namely (facilities quality, internet access, and technical support) positively influence teachers to apply VLE during teaching. The quality of technological facilities in schools needs to be developed to promote effective educational processes and motivate teachers to use digital technology. Further, it is strongly suggested that teachers need to be given appropriate training and ongoing support to develop their skills in using digital technology.</span>

Virtual learning environment and its relationship with worker characteristics and occupational accident rates.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been employed widely in Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems training programs. However, it is necessary to investigate the influence and workers characteristics to ensure effectiveness. The study presents the relationship between demographic characterization and learning styles with the satisfaction and approval of a training course for teachers through virtual modality and the incidence in accident indicators of an educational institution. Analytical and longitudinal study. In 2019, 385 teachers participated in a virtual course on falls prevention. Learning styles were surveyed and records of teachers' entrance and approval of the course were consolidated. The evaluation of the course by teachers was reviewed and the behavior of accident frequency and severity indicators were analyzed comparing 2018 and 2019. To determine significant relationships, Cramer's V was applied for learning styles and demographic characteristics with access and course approval. ANOVA was applied for the demographic variables and the evaluation given by teachers to the course. T-test was used to compare the average values of the indicators for the period 2018-2019. Statistical relationships were found between the predominant learning style and access (P < 0.01) and approval (P < 0.01). Educational level of the population with access (P < 0.05) and course approval (P < 0.01). In addition to the age range and the rating given to the methodology applied in the course (P < 0.05). No differences were found between the values of the indicators. By identifying significant relationships between learning styles and demographic characteristics of the working population and the use of virtual learning environments, it is important to continue researching the influence of workers' characteristics and didactic methodologies for the design of virtual learning environments that encourage workers to follow safe procedures during their work.

Measuring the sociability of virtual learning environments for interdisciplinary student teams – a validation study

ABSTRACT The reliance on the use of virtual learning environments, particularly computer-supported collaborative learning environments, is increasing in higher education institutions. This paper explores the perceived sociability of a virtual learning environment after it was implemented in an interdisciplinary project-based course in a higher education institute in Norway due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the validation of a sociability scale in a sample of 1,611 students. The paper also reports on differences in perceived sociability according to gender, field of study and personality and the extent to which perceptions of sociability relate to the experience of a sudden change from a real-life learning environment to a virtual one. The results of this large-scale study suggest that the Norwegian version of the sociability scale can be used as a valid and reliable instrument to measure the perceived sociability of a virtual learning environment in the context of self-organized student project teams.

Exploring the Use of Cognitive Assistants for Online Classrooms

The Covid-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented demand on the use of virtual learning environments. However, the rapid adoption of tools to transition from in-person to virtual instruction has left many questions unanswered as to how learning may be optimized when in-person interactions are no longer available. Additionally, there exists a gap in supporting both instructors and trainees, synchronously, during learning experiences. In this paper, we explore how this gap may be bridged by leveraging the lessons learned, practices, and technologies created in the operational world in the form of Cognitive Assistants (CA). CAs have emerged as a novel means to support both individuals and teammates as they accomplish their work in domains as varied as maintenance or healthcare. This early work identifies a series of affordances which a CA may leverage to support both instructors and trainees, for the purpose of optimizing learning in an online classroom.

The use of Virtual Learning Environment for students effective engagement in the Higher Education Institutions through knowledge management and blended learning'

The purpose of this paper is to examine the continuously growing use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for students’ effective engagement in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through knowledge management (KM) and blended learning (BL). Digital technology has transformed teaching and learning in such a way that VLE became indispensable part of HEIs to effectively engage students through blended learning. COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected organisations worldwide including the HEIs as institutions were compelled to close their campuses in response to lockdowns. The HEIs have responded with greater agility to transform campus teaching into virtual learning. VLE is relentlessly evolving in terms of scope and application while HEIs are renovating themselves in parallel ensuring a practical online platform for digital revolution. In this study, the identified research gap is determined to assess the level of students’ engagement in their higher education through KM and blended learning specifically using virtual learning activities. A cross-sectional quantitative methodological approach is employed to assess the use of VLE on students’ engagement through KM and blended learning. The students’ effective engagement is assessed by employing the research arithmetical analysis method based on five demographic factors including their “age, gender, field of study, ethnicity, and mode of study programme”. The collected data is systematically analysed to validate students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement through KM and blended learning practices. The effective students’ engagement through KM and blended learning questionnaire ‘KMSEBL’© is industrialized, comprising of five essential demographic factors “age, gender, ethnicity, field of study, and mode of study”, containing 12 close-ended substances under three main dimensions to assess students’ effective engagement including ‘students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioural factors. The data outcome is later evaluated applying the Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis, which indicates that students’ various groups and sub-groups responding in a different manner in context of elevated substances. The research result approves the role of technology innovation for enhanced students’ engagement in higher education through KM and blended learning practices. However, the future research will investigate what specific KM and blended learning activities are essential in engaging students from diverse demographic, geographic, psychographic groups.

Virtual Learning Environments: University faculty experiences during and after the COVID 19 pandemic

To improve and innovate the teaching and learning process, it is necessary to develop or use technological means that allow effective communication between teachers and students. Likewise, the use of virtual learning environments, with the appearance of COVID 19, have become a priority in teaching practice, revolutionizing many fields of engineering and the educational system in general. A mixed approach research with descriptive and correlational design was carried out in a sample of 59 teachers, whose objective is to share the experiences of professors of a higher education institution, during and after the pandemic, on the use of virtual environments, such as Moodle and Google Classroom. Also, the benefits and difficulties encountered in virtual classes and currently, in face-to-face classes. Some of the results are 67.2% of the professors already knew about the use of learning environments, but even so, 98.2% concluded that they did develop new skills and aptitudes, most frequently 71.4%, in the creation of courses in virtual platforms and 66.1% in basic competencies in the use of virtual learning platforms, as others to promote quality and educational innovation in the institution.

Virtual teaching strategy for online learning of the subject Entrepreneurship and Management at the baccalaureate level

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a change in the educational environment, it went from being face-to-face to virtual, it is necessary to think about didactic strategies for subjects that need a different treatment in their development and explanation. The objective of this article is to propose a virtual teaching strategy for the strengthening of online learning of the subject Entrepreneurship and Management in the baccalaureate. The research conducted is hermeneutic in approach and descriptive-explanatory in scope. The sample selected was 58 students of the third year of high school of the Unidad Educativa Fiscal Durán, a probabilistic intentional sampling by quotas was applied, which facilitated the interpretation of results on the lack of use of virtual learning environments and technological tools by students and teachers. In addition, educators presented difficulties in planning, development and evaluation for online classes. A virtual teaching strategy was designed that generates interaction and reflection in the teaching-learning process from the virtual environment, which has the following phases: virtual teaching-learning planning, virtual teaching-learning communication and activity, and online evaluation of assimilated learning.

Implementation of animation digital literacy culture-based English teaching and the use of virtual learning environment (VLE) at SMAN 1 Blahbatuh

SMAN 1 Blahbatuh is one of public schools in Bali that has complete and adequate facilities to support teaching and learning activities. The school also has experienced and supportive teachers who are experts on their field. However, during observation found that some teachers do not familiar with state-of-the-art technology for teaching and learning activities. That case leads to ineffective online lesson where the teachers are expected to use various technology in order to support the lessons. This is a challenge faced by SMAN 1 Blahbatuh in implementing online learning on this pandemic situation. To overcome this problem, training related to the implementing “Animation” Digital Literacy culture-based as an online learning media had been carried out. This training implements “Animation” Digital Literacy through Culture-Based English Teaching. In addition, a training on the use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in online teaching was also carried out, to further maximize the use of online media in the lessons. The training was held for two days involving 11 teachers to take part into it. In this training, they were given a workshop to create 'animated' media that aims to attract students' interest in learning and improve their literacy.

Teacher's Motivation on the Use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): The Effect of Social Factors, Self-Efficacy and Technological Support

Virtual learning environment or VLE has been introduced in educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities to encourage a systematic online teaching and learning platform. The application of VLE is suggested as one of the mediators to vary the delivery process therefore teaching and learning process will be easier and more interesting. This paper aims to examine the effect of social factors, self-efficacy and technological support on the utilization of VLE in the educational process. A quantitative approach was employed and the data was collected through questionnaire administered to selected respondents. A total of 356 accounting teachers from secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia were chosen as the samples. Reflective measurement model in Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was utilized to measure the effect of exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable. Results indicated that social factor namely (colleague, administrators and school culture) significantly effect the use of VLE among teachers. The finding can be interpreted as teachers with higher value of social factors have higher intention to use VLE in his/her teaching and learning. Further, self-efficacy and technological support (facilities quality, internet access and technical support) positively influence teachers’ to apply VLE during teaching. This paper proposes that teachers need to be given ongoing support and appropriate training to develop their skills in using digital technology. Further, the quality of technological facilities in schools need to be developed to promote effective educational processes and motivate teachers to use digital technology.

Use of virtual learning environment in teaching Malay language in national secondary schools

Use of virtual learning environment in teaching Malay language in national secondary schools