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

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.