The university staff experience of using a virtual learning environment as a platform for e-learning

Abstract

Numerous Open Distance Electronic Learning (ODeL) institutions have embarked on using a virtual learning environment (VLE) as a platform to facilitate e-Learning. The purpose of this study was to explore university staff experience of using a VLE to study courses online. Connectivism theory was adopted as a guiding framework to explore the staff experiences of a VLE. As this study was empirical, a qualitative approach was used to a sample of seven staff members who studied e-courses using a VLE. Through unstructured interviews, data were gathered and thematically analysed. Trustworthiness in the study was credibly maintained. The main research question that guided the gathering of data was: what are the university staff members’ perceptions of the use of a VLE? The results revealed that the use of VLE assists in the development of digital skills and the participants are urged to embark on the design and online delivery of modules.

Keywords

• Virtual learning environment,staff members’ experiences,open distance e-learning,collaborate

References

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