Summary of Dissertation submitted for Masters of Education in e-Learning
By Pauline Aquilina
Implementing a VLE in a Higher Education Institution: Issues and Concerns
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used for supplementary or entire online
teaching, has seemingly become the norm in tertiary education. This case study
research examined the possible issues through the perspectives of academic and
strategic management staff, regarding an Institutional VLE implementation in the
particular context of the only university in Malta. This University, financed by central
government, has autonomous governance and embraces the von Humboldt ideal. Like
other universities globally, it is increasing in size, not only nationally due to political
pressures, but also internationally through technology, the VLE being a typical
example.
Academics were randomly chosen from the list of active VLE users to identify what
their aim was for using the VLE. Strategic managers were purposely chosen due to
their clearly defined roles in the organisation to discover what they expected to be
achieved through VLE implementation. Participants’ perspectives were explored
through individual one-hour interviews using six semi-structured and open questions.
Results indicated that there were similar perspectives, like the ultimate one of students
developing self-directed learning skills, with dissimilarities between the two groups
regarding VLE administration. A key finding was the need for clear set parameters of
VLE
usage
for
teaching-administrative
purposes
within
the
organisation.
Recommendations included holistic training of all parties involved, academics,
administration and students with the help of the ICT team.