Using a Survey and Discussion Forums on Students' Satisfaction and Experience to Inform the Development of a New Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE): A Data-Driven Approach to Technology Use in Learning and Teaching

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Title: Using a Survey and Discussion Forums on Students' Satisfaction and Experience to Inform the Development of a New Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE): A Data-Driven Approach to Technology Use in Learning and Teaching
Authors: Stephanie Baines (ORCID 0000-0001-7293-9517), Sofia Barbosa Boucas (ORCID 0000-0001-8155-2867), Pauldy C. J. Otermans (ORCID 0000-0001-8495-348X)
Source: International Journal of Technology in Education. 2023 6(4):620-634.
Availability: International Society for Technology, Education, and Science. ISTES Organization, Monument, CO 80132. e-mail: istesorganization@gmail.com; e-mail: ijteoffice@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijte.net/index.php/ijte/about
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Educational Environment, Electronic Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Student Satisfaction, Student Attitudes, Curriculum Development, Higher Education, Learning Management Systems, Student Needs, Psychology, Layout (Publications), Design Preferences, Health Sciences, College Students
ISSN: 2689-2758
Abstract: The virtual learning environment (VLE) is of great importance in Higher Education as a repository for course content, communication and student support. Students' satisfaction with the VLE may impact greatly on their engagement with the VLE itself, and, consequently, module content and learning more widely. In moving to a new VLE we wished to optimise its design for our students' needs by determining features that impact students' usage. As such, in this study we tested the satisfaction of psychology students with the layout used in our current VLE, Blackboard Learn (BbL). Using an online survey, students rated their satisfaction for each element of the BbL template on a 7-point Likert-type scale, from 1 ("extremely dissatisfied") to 7 ("extremely satisfied"). Eighty-seven students enrolled in the BSc Psychology (N = 68) and BSc Psychology (Sport, Health and Exercise) (N = 19) programmes completed the survey. Results showed that, overall, students were very satisfied with their BbL structure. Open-text comments indicated students appreciated the clear, organised structure, making it very easy to navigate. However, students suggested clearer labelling and greater consistency across modules would improve their learning. These findings will be used to inform the template of our new VLE.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1408879
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The virtual learning environment (VLE) is of great importance in Higher Education as a repository for course content, communication and student support. Students' satisfaction with the VLE may impact greatly on their engagement with the VLE itself, and, consequently, module content and learning more widely. In moving to a new VLE we wished to optimise its design for our students' needs by determining features that impact students' usage. As such, in this study we tested the satisfaction of psychology students with the layout used in our current VLE, Blackboard Learn (BbL). Using an online survey, students rated their satisfaction for each element of the BbL template on a 7-point Likert-type scale, from 1 ("extremely dissatisfied") to 7 ("extremely satisfied"). Eighty-seven students enrolled in the BSc Psychology (N = 68) and BSc Psychology (Sport, Health and Exercise) (N = 19) programmes completed the survey. Results showed that, overall, students were very satisfied with their BbL structure. Open-text comments indicated students appreciated the clear, organised structure, making it very easy to navigate. However, students suggested clearer labelling and greater consistency across modules would improve their learning. These findings will be used to inform the template of our new VLE.
ISSN:2689-2758