BMSW4003 Digital Skills Research: Moodle Impact on Student Learning

This research report investigates the impact of the Moodle virtual learning environment (VLE) on students at the University of Wales-Trinity Saint David, London Campus. The study examines the concept of virtual learning, its effects on students, and employs both primary and secondary research...Read More

Research Report About
The Impact Of VLE
Moodle On Students

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Aim:.............................................................................................................................................3
Rationale:.....................................................................................................................................3
Objectives:...................................................................................................................................3
Questions:....................................................................................................................................3
Scope:...........................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................4
Concept of virtual learning..........................................................................................................4
Effect of virtual-digital learning on campus' students.................................................................4
Primary Research.............................................................................................................................5
Methodology................................................................................................................................5
Ethical Consideration...................................................................................................................8
Results..............................................................................................................................................8
Limitations of Study......................................................................................................................27
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................27
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................29

INTRODUCTION
Digital skills relate to individual's ability to make full application of the internet. Getting
brilliant in it has becoming very essential for all because now everything is digitized and have
become a fundamental requirement (Khedher, Jraidi and Frasson, 2019). The study involves
analysis of effective use of modern techniques to enhance productivity and employment
opportunities in the workplace. Following study will address the effects of virtual learning on
students in University of Wales-Trinity Saint David London Campus. It further covers
identification and collection of appropriate information usage of primary as well as secondary
methods in context of data collection with aims to understand topic more effectively.
MAIN BODY
Aim:
The core aim of the study is to effectively analyse the different impacts of mode of virtual
learning environment Moodle on students' experiences of learning in context of University of
Wales-Trinity Saint David, London.
Rationale:
Today, it becomes crucial for various institutions to update their studying and teaching
patterns with the progression of technological advances. This is for students' advantage as they
need to be prepared according to their future criteria. because of it, this is important to examine
the effect of digital skill and learnings in learners / students so that improvements in the various
institutions are implemented accordingly.
Objectives:
Here, are main objectives of Study, as listed below:
 To understand and analyse the main concept of digital virtual learning.
 To ascertain the effects of virtual-digital learning on learning programme and experience
of students.
Questions:
 What is core concept of virtual-digital learning?
 What is key effect of virtual-digital learning on campus' students?

Scope:
The subject selected for research has broad scope since almost all currently is done via
digital technological innovation in the contemporary world as well as has facilitated the job.
Users will get to understand how learning process has affected and managed to change. More
data should be needed as the secondary and primary sources are used to better explain the
framework in more depth.
Literature Review
Concept of virtual learning
As per Veronica Racheva (2017), virtual learning can be defined as a learning experience
which is enhanced by utilisation of computers and various applications of internet. It could be
facilitated within as well as outside the university campus or any other educational or teaching
institution for providing an online environment to learners (What is virtual learning?, 2017).
Using of various applications to encourage the processes of learning and make the instructional
process more efficient and engaging for students, where both learners and teachers are physically
separated from each other, in terms of time, place and location. In other terms, learning
conducted within a virtual learning environment has provided a number of key benefits, such as
remote access for an unlimited array of education which can be offered worldwide. Along with
this, it also provide individualised type of learning process, which takes into consideration at
individual needs, personal level of competence and various learning styles (Eom, 2019). Cost
and time effectiveness, flexible learning, safe & securing learning environment are some main
characteristics of virtual learning technique.
Effect of virtual-digital learning on campus' students
According to Dexaway (2019), e-learning or virtual learning process is considered as the
most rising concept in today's educational institution. It aids students in engaging with
multimedia content, as per their convenience, where they do not need to go anywhere by simply
log in to online application (5 Reasons Why Online Learning is more Effective, 2019). Another
main factor is that online courses are easily accessible within small budgets, that helps students
to enrol in virtual environment in more effective manner (Gunawan and et. al., 2018). As
compared to traditional courses, e-learning platform offers various materials via multimedia, that
proves beneficial for students in enhancing their learning skills and grab more knowledge about a

specified course. Engagement of students and their retention rates are also higher in virtual
environment of learning (Parong and Mayer, 2018). Frequent assessments and less time
investment provides an ongoing process while learning, that reduces distraction as well.
Primary Research
Methodology
In order to take feedback of learners on how Moodle and VLE (virtual environment of
learning) helps in them in grabbing knowledge and improve learning skills, a questionnaire
method is chosen. This would help in gathering primary data and addressing the main objectives
more efficiently. For this purpose, 30 students have been chosen randomly of University of
Wales-Trinity Saint David, London, in following way –
Questionnaire
Name of the student
Specialisation of degree
1. Please select your gender
Male Female
2. Please select your group
18 to 24
25 to 33
34 to 44
44 to 55
Other
3. How many times you use Moodle in a week?
0 times
1 to 3 times
4 to 5 times
6 or more times
4. Do you find easy to use Moodle
Yes
No
5. There are enough information for your studies on Moodle

Strongly Agree
Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
6. Moodle helps you to understand and learn better than other classes
Strongly Agree
Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
7. Was easy to upload your assignment through Moodle
Yes
No
8. Do you need to have computing skills on Moodle
Yes
No
9. Tutorials help you to learn and understand better your studies
Yes
No
10. It will help you more if you get training how to use Moodle
Yes
No
I don’t Know
11. The practice in Moodle helped you
Apply grammar better
Gain better computing skills
Easy learning in your time table
12. Moodle is the greener option for providing education
Strongly Agree
Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
13. Engagement of students, with retention rates of them are higher on Moodle

Ethical Consideration
For gathering primary data, it is essential to consider the ethical rules and regulations for
researchers, especially when the respondents are learners, because any negative feedback of them
might affect the learning environment within a class (Alsawaier, 2018). Along with this, they
may also get teased by others within campus that may impact on their learning skills also.
Therefore, ethics can be maintained by signing a consent with respondents that their personal
identity and any information will not disclose during and after research.
Results
Theme 1:
1. Please select your gender Frequency
 Male 15
 Female 15
Interpretation: As per the given statistical figure, it has been interpreted that among 30 chosen
students of University, 15 are male and 15 are female ones.
Male Female
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15 15
Column B

Theme 2:
2. Please select your group Frequency
 18 to 24 10
 25 to 33 8
 34 to 44 5
 44 to 55 5
 Others 2
Interpretation: It has been interpreted from this figure that 10 out of 30 students are belong
from 18 to 24 age group. While 8 are underlie under 25 to 33 age group and 5 within group of 34
to 44. Along with this, 5 are come under the category of 44 to 55 and rest of learners that are 2
within others.
18 to 24 25 to 33 34 to 44 44 to 55 Others
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
8
5 5
2
Column B

Theme 3:
3. How often you use Moodle in a week Frequency
 0 times 2
 1 to 3 times 4
 4 to 5 times 9
 6 or more times 15
Interpretation: Through this figure, it has been interpreted that more than 15 students of each
group of 30 respondents use more than 6 times the Moodle, for getting learning materials of their
chosen field. While other 9 respondents use 4 to 5 times this online platform and 4 ones utilise 1
to 3 times the same. Other than this, remaining 2 ones didn’t use Moodle not even a single time.
0 times 1 to 3 times 4 to 5 times 6 or more times
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
2
4
9
15
Column B

Theme 4:
4. Do you find easy to use Moodle Frequency
 Yes 18
 No 12
Interpretation: It has been interpreted from this figure that 18 out of each group of 30
respondents are agreed that Moodle provide by their university are easily accessible. While 12
not agree on the same due to poor utilisation of digital technology.
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
18
12
Column F

Theme 5:
5. There are enough information for your studies on Moodle Frequency
 Strongly Agree 11
 Agree 7
 Strongly Disagree 8
 Disagree 4
Interpretation: It has been interpreted from this figure that 11 out of each group of 30
respondents are strongly agreed and 7 learners are simply that information provided by Moodle
is enough. While among rest of them 8 are strongly disagree and 4 are simple disagree on the
same statement.
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12 11
7
8
4
Column C

Theme 6:
6: Moodle helps you to understand and learn better than other classes Frequency
 Strongly Agree 15
 Agree 8
 Strongly Disagree 3
 Disagree 4
Interpretation: 15 respondents among 30 students of present University think that VLE is better
option than other traditional methods. While 3 ones are strongly disagree and 4 are disagree on
the given statement. Other than this, 4 respondents are simply agree on better approach of VLE.
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
8
3
4
Column B

Theme 7:
7. Was easy to upload your assignment through Moodle? Frequency
 Strongly Agree 12
 Agree 8
 Strongly Disagree 4
 Disagree 6
Interpretation: 12 respondents are strongly agreed and 8 are simply agree that through Moodle,
assignments can easily upload. While 4 respondents are strongly disagree and other 6 are only
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
8
4
6
Column B

disagree on the same, because it consumers much time which may sometime delay in meeting
the deadlines.
Theme 8:
8. Do you need to have computing skills on Moodle Frequency
 Yes 18
 No 12
Interpretation: As per the given statistical figure, it has been interpreted that 18 learners out of
each 30 group finds that to use Moodle, computing skills are necessary. While remaining 12 are
not agreed on same concept.
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
18
12
Column I

Theme 9:
9: Tutorials help you to learn and understand better your studies Frequency
 Yes 20
 No 10
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
10
Column I

Interpretation: It has been interpreted from given figure that 20 learners among 30 ones states
that tutors have helped in understanding the learning the studies on Moodle. While 10 states that
tutors after launching of concepts on Moodle, do not help them in understanding their studies.
Theme 10:
10: It will help you more if you get training how to use Moodle Frequency
 Yes 20
 No 8
 I don’t know 2

Interpretation: From this figure, it has been determined that 20 learners out of 30 requires
training to use Moodle before conducting online studies. While 8 from rest of students, do not
need the same. Other than this, rest 2 learners have no idea about if training will help more for
online studies or not.
Yes No I don’t know
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Column H

Theme 11:
11. The practice in Moodle helped you Frequency
 Apply grammar better 12
 Gain better computing skills 8
 Easy learning in your time table 10
Interpretation: 12 out of 30 learners state that acknowledgement with computing skills can be
gained by practice in Moodle. 8 students think that it improves grammar and 10 in favour with
development of speaking skills.
Acknowledge with computing skills
Improve grammar
Development of speaking skills
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Column G

Theme 12:
12. Moodle is the greener option for providing education Frequency
 Strongly Agree 11
 Agree 7
 Strongly Disagree 8
 Disagree 4
Interpretation: As VLE education provides online platform to learners, therefore, it reduces
paper-work and carbon footprint. So, this would consider as greener option of education. On this
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12 11
7
8
4
Column B

statement, 11 out of 30 students are strongly agree and 8 are strongly disagree on the same. Other
than this, 7 and 4 respondents are simply agree and disagree respectively on given statement.
Theme 13:
13. Engagement of students, with retention rates of them are higher on VLE Frequency
 Strongly Agree 15
 Agree 6
 Strongly Disagree 5
 Disagree 4

Interpretation: 15 students out of 30 ones, are thought that retention and engagement of
students in education is the result of VLE. On this concept, 6 are simply agree but 4 are disagree
also. Other than this, 5 are strongly disagree on the same statement.
Theme 14:
14. The quality of e-learning process is mostly depended on - Frequency
 Proper utilisation of digital technologies 15
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
6
5
4
Column B

 Regular and constructive feedback 8
 Availability of more educational materials 7
Interpretation: From this graph, it has been interpreted that quality of VLE is mainly dependent
on proper utilisation of technology as per perception of 15 students. While 8 ones are thought
that this will depend on regular and constructive feedback and 7 are in favour with availability of
educational materials.
Proper utilisation of digital technologies
Regular and constructive feedback
Availability of more educational materials
0
4
8
12
16
Column B

Theme 15:
15. Factor creates barriers in engaging students within VLE process Frequency
 Lack of technological skills 12
 Inadequate resources 7
 Peer pressure 5
 Lack of consistency in education of students 6
Interpretation: There are number of barriers present for students in getting benefits of VLE,
where 12 learners out of 30 thought that it is lack of technological skill. While 7 students think
that inadequate resources create the major barrier and other 5 towards peer pressure. On the other
hand, 6 learners think that lack of consistency among students’ education arise the main barrier.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
7
5 6
Column B

Theme 16:
16. The main benefits of virtual learning environment Frequency
 Higher engagement of learners 10
 Opportunity to learn new skills 6
 Flexibility in terms of cost, time and place 8
 Availability of more educational materials 6
Interpretation: There are number of benefits of using VLE, where 10 among 30 learners think
that higher engagement of students is the main benefit. While 6 are in favour with opportunity to
learn new skills and other 8 towards flexibility in terms of time and cost. Other than this,
remaining 6 states that availability of more materials and resources of education consider as the
most beneficial point of VLE for learners.
0
2
4
6
8
10
10
6
8
6
Column E

Theme 17:
17. Students can be more engaged within virtual learning environment Frequency
 Organising training 12
 Bringing Awareness about its benefits 10
 Practice in Moodle 8
Interpretation: As per perception of 12 learners among 30 ones, organising training will reduce
barriers to gain benefits of VLE. While 10 towards bringing awareness about the benefits of
same and 8 for practice in Moodle for the same.
Organising training
Bringing Awareness about its benefits
Practice in Moodle
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Column B

Theme 18:
18. Organising training will prove beneficial for better engagement in VLE
process
Frequency
 Strongly Agree 15
 Agree 8
 Strongly Disagree 4
 Disagree 3
Interpretation: 15 respondents out of 30 are strongly agree and 8 are agree that organisational
learning will help students to use Moodle for online learning. While 4 are strongly disagree and 3
are disagree on the same statement.
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
8
4
3
Column H

Theme 19:
19. Why self-efficacy is important in learners Frequency
 Willingness of engagement in studies 12
 Motivation to persists and problem solving 10
 Commitment towards education 8
Interpretation: 12 respondents out of 30 states that willingness of engagement in studies can
only be possible by development of self-efficacy among students. While 10 respondents are in
favour with motivation to problem solving and persist. Other than remaining ones states for
commitment towards education.
Theme 20:
20. The main features of Moodle Frequency
 Multimedia Integration 8
 Multiple progress tracking option 7
Willingness of engagement in studies
Motivation to persists and problem solving
Commitment towards education
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Column J

 Peer and self assessments 8
 All of the above 7
Interpretation: It has been analysed from this figure that as per 8 learners, multimedia integration
is the main feature of Moodle. While 7 learners are in favour with multiple progress tracking
option and 8 towards peer and self-assessment. Other than this, remaining ones that are 7
learners are in favour with all features.
Limitations of Study
This survey is conducted on 30 respondents only where University of Wales-Trinity Saint
David, London, has more than 1000 of students. As every learner has own need and requirement
for learning a course, therefore, conducting study on such a small sample create infeasibility and
inaccuracy in result outcomes. This would consider as the main limitation of present research.
Conclusion
It has been concluded from this research that VLE and other Moodle techniques help
learners in engaging in studies more easily. This would become essential for learners in today’s
Multimedia Integration
Multiple progress tracking option
Peer and self assessments
All of the above
6.4
6.6
6.8
7
7.2
7.4
7.6
7.8
8
8
7
8
7 Column B

dynamic environment that provides a number of resource materials to develop professional
skills. Through this process, they can get better opportunity for improving their future.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Khedher, A. B., Jraidi, I. and Frasson, C., 2019. Tracking students’ mental engagement using
EEG signals during an interaction with a virtual learning environment. Journal of
Intelligent Learning Systems and Applications. 11(1). pp.1-14.
Alsawaier, R. S., 2018. The effect of gamification on motivation and engagement. The
International Journal of Information and Learning Technology. 35(1). pp.56-79.
Parong, J. and Mayer, R. E., 2018. Learning science in immersive virtual reality. Journal of
Educational Psychology. 110(6). p.785.
Gunawan, G. and et. al., 2018, November. Virtual Laboratory to Improve Students’ Conceptual
Understanding in Physics Learning. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol.
1108, No. 1, p. 012049). IOP Publishing.
Eom, S., 2019. The effects of student motivation and self-regulated learning strategies on
student’s perceived e-learning outcomes and satisfaction. Journal of Higher Education
Theory and Practice. 19(7).
Online
What is virtual learning?. 2017. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.vedamo.com/knowledge/what-is-virtual-learning/>.
5 Reasons Why Online Learning is more Effective. 2019. [Online] Available
Through:<https://www.dexway.com/5-reasons-why-online-learning-is-more-effective/
>.