Suitability of a Virtual Learning Environment for Higher Education.

Published 1 January 2005Open access

Marileena Koskela, Piia Kiltti, Inka Vilpola, Janne Tervonen

Source URL

Citations56

SJR quartileQ2

SJR score0.70

SNIP1.43

View PDF

TL;DR

Comparisons of learning with a VLE and learning in a traditional lecture on an occupational safety engineering course show that the VLE students outperformed the lecture students, and VLEs should be used with caution in higher education.

Abstract

Abstract: The number of virtual learning environments (VLEs) is increasing. Already a few case studies claim that VLEs are more effective as a learning method than traditional lecturing. Many of these case studies are in the area of information and communication technology (ICT). Therefore, the good learning results are not surprising. The aim of this paper is to examine the suitability of a VLE for higher education by comparing learning with a VLE and learning in a traditional lecture on an occupational safety engineering course. We will compare the learning results and the students ’ opinions of their learning process The results show that the VLE students outperformed the lecture students. On the basis of these results and previous case studies, the VLE is suitable for higher education. Nevertheless VLEs should be used with caution in higher education. They should add extra value to a course. One possible value would be to use the VLE self-study method to evaluate one’s learning before a final exam.

Keywords

PsychologySocial SciencesEngineering

MIS QuarterlyWeb-Based Virtual Learning Environments: A Research Framework and a Preliminary Assessment of Effectiveness in Basic it Skills Training1

1,581 Citations2001Gabriele Piccoli, Rami Ahmad +1 more

The results indicate that, in the context of IT basic skills training in undergraduate education, there are no significant differences in performance between students enrolled in the two environments, however, the VLE leads to higher reported computer self-efficacy, while participants report being less satisfied with the learning process.

Communications of the ACMCan e-learning replace classroom learning?

1,061 Citations2004Dongsong Zhang, Jing Zhao +2 more

In an e-learning environment that emphasizes learner-centered activity and system interactivity, remote learners can outperform traditional classroom students.

The Internet and Higher EducationAn analysis of students' preparation for the virtual learning environment

115 Citations2001Joseph Lee, Ng Lai Hong +1 more

A questionnaire is administered to appraise experiences with computers and attitudes toward computers of students enrolled in a private college offering tertiary education in Malaysia to identify factors that address the requirements of learners to enable appropriate use of ICT in their learning.

Journal of Safety ResearchThe effects of ergonomics training on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of teleworkers

85 Citations2004Susan S. Harrington, Bonnie L. Walker

The need for safety training for teleworkers and the effectiveness of a home office ergonomics training program are discussed and participants who completed the training significantly improved their scores on knowledge, attitude, and practices subtests.

Applied Occupational and Environmental HygieneVirtual Reality for Mine Safety Training

81 Citations2000Marc T. Filigenzi, Timothy J. Orr +1 more

By developing realistic, affordable VR training software, miners will be able to receive accurate training in hazard recognition and avoidance, and the VR software will allow miners to follow mine evacuation routes and safe procedures without exposing themselves to danger.

Education and Information TechnologiesExperimental Comparison of Virtual Reality with Traditional Teaching Methods for Teaching Radioactivity

61 Citations2000Joanna Crosier, Sue Cobb +1 more

Evaluation of VR to teach radioactivity at secondary school level indicated that both ability level and the order in which the conditions were completed significantly affected the attitude scores.

What can virtual reality do for safety

42 Citations2001Mehmet S. Kizil, Jincy Joy

The benefits of using advanced computer graphics and VR techniques in the minerals industry are described and the applications of this evolving technology in the areas of data visualisation, accident reconstructions, simulation applications, risk analysis, hazard awareness applications and training are examined.

ACM SIGCSE BulletinA statistical analysis of student performance in online computer science courses

37 Citations2004Merry McDonald, Brian Dorn +1 more

Nurse Education TodayCan nursing facility staff with minimal education be successfully trained with computer-based training?

16 Citations2004Bonnie L. Walker, Susan S. Harrington

This study compares the effects of computer-based and instructor-led training on long-term care staff with a high school education or less on fire safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices and finds that both methods of instruction were effective in increasing staff tests scores from pre- to posttest.

Online Learning in Hong Kong: A Preliminary Comparison of the Lecture and Online Versions of a Computing Fundamentals Course

3 Citations2001Synnöve Kekkonen–Moneta, Giovanni B. Moneta

Students of the online version of the first-year introductory computing course obtained lower results in conceptual learning, but perceived the course as less difficult and slower-pace than the students of the lecture-based course.