Abstract:

Objectives:
The study focuses on the attitudes and extent of information literacy of students towards virtual learning environment in the context of higher education in Rajshahi University. It explores the features and facilities of VLE used by students. It also highlights the reasons of motivation for using VLE as well as problems encountered by them at Rajshahi University in Bangladesh.

Methodology:
The study adopted survey research strategy. To collect data, a structured questionnaire was designed using likert scale. Also personal observation and face to face discussions were used in explaining the phenomenon to the participants. A survey has been conducted through distributing the questionnaire among 240 undergraduate and graduate students of social science faculty, who have certain research experience, of Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. The samples were chosen purposively from nine departments of social science faculty. SPSS software package and Microsoft office excel were used to analyze the quantitative data.

Results:
Most of the respondent agreed that VLE is used for preparing class related elements through internet, and it provides service to enhance existing academic practices. They use VLE for preparing assignment, presentation and note for examination. But regarding participation of online course the students show neutral attitude. They often use opera in accessing VLE for collecting information. Most of them have been using Wi-Fi rather than broad band in order to access in VLE. A few of them know the way to search the resources via VLE in the central library. About using e-resources of library through VLE, most of them use e-books frequently where as a few of them use HINARI, AGORA and BanglaJOL databases. They acquainted with information literacy program of VLE offered by library, and it helps them to access, evaluate and use information ethically & to lead a greater diversity of the learning process in higher education. They are familiar about accessing the web to search information, posting messages and participating in synchronous discussion.
They get motivation to use VLE from the recommendation of the teacher and inspiration of their friends. Regarding the use of VLE features, most of them use downloads feature for downloading music, YouTube tutorial, research article where as chats and e- mail are also used extensively by the participants.

Although VLE takes too much time for working, it allows them to be more active in learning process as well as learn new methods in task solving. In response to experience in using VLE, majority of them agreed that it supports sharing ideas & knowledge between students. Although VLE increases costs for individual students, it helps to increase opportunities for discussion and debate outside class.
The common problems faced by the students are lack of initiatives of the department to promote literacy regarding VLE, inadequecy of internet coverage and lack of skill to find and select appropriate information sources in VLE.

Implications:
It would guide the library professionals about how the library can contribute to the learning process by allowing virtual learning environments in higher education. Moreover, it would allow the academics to understand the necessity of sharing educational materials with their students via the web to enhance literacy of VLE.

Keywords:

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Information Literacy, Higher Education, Rajshahi University.