Factors Influencing on Usage of Virtual Learning Environment in a State University in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is an information system that facilitates e-learning. VLE processes, stores and disseminates educational material and supports communication associated with teaching, learning and assessment. The study aims to analyze the key variables related to the VLE from the view of both lecturers and students. This study uses seven key variables related to VLE from the view of lecturers such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, personal innovativeness, behavioural intention to use and use behaviour and four variables related to VLE from the view of students such as learner interface, learning community, content and usefulness. For this study, 57 lecturers and 305 students have responded to questionnaires from the selected four Faculties of a State University, Sri Lanka. Further, the researchers used a simple random sampling method. The collected data was analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis. The findings of the study revealed that most of the variables were at high levels and only one variable was at moderate level. Furthermore, most of the variables have medium positive relationships, very few variables have strong positive relationships and only one variable has weak positive correlation with other variables. The findings of the study are expected to help both the researchers and practitioners. In addition, the results of the current study can provide practical implications for the university teaching, learning and assessment processes in Sri Lanka.