Abstract:

In this paper the author will analyse student’s response to the re-design of a virtual learning environment for the delivery of the Managing Decisions module in the Faculty of Organisation and Management at Sheffield Hallam University. In the past there was anecdotal evidence that students have found the intricate structure of Blackboard sites confusing and difficult to navigate. The virtual learning environment is based on the Blackboard technology and the approach taken when designing the new learning environment for students was centred on simplicity. Student’s views on the Blackboard site will be analysed and interpreted with a view of improving future versions of the virtual learning environment.
One of the major features of the current version of the Managing Decisions blackboard site is the very “flat” structure of the site. In other words the navigation structure of the site is devoid of complicated folder structures and unnecessary hierarchical levels. Students vies on this will be explored and comparisons to similar Blackboard sites will be made in the body of the paper. The author will explore whether this new structure has enhanced the student experience and what the comments of the students regarding this were.
As virtual learning environments are now central to the delivery of a variety of modules in the Faculty of Organisation it is important to know whether a simplified structure for these is a move in the right direction and may be able to contribute to a better student experience.

Keywords:

virtual, learning, environment, quantitative, education.