University students' perceptions of learning : a comparison between traditional and virtual learning.

Abstract

Formal education is being imparted across the globe in a variety of approaches ranging from traditional classroom based teaching to virtual platforms. In Malta e-learning strategies have been recently adopted by the University of Malta therefore the PICO question guiding this research study was:-"Do University students perceive learning to be more satisfactory in a virtual learning environment as compared to lessons received in a traditional classroom setup?" Studies were selected according to set inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included the English language, the time frame between 1990 and 2011, and only comparison studies between online and classroom instruction of the same course content. A critique using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for cohort studies will be shown, thus exposing the strengths and weaknesses of the selected studies. This directed the arguments made in the discussion section, and evaluated the findings according to the hierarchy of evidence. Comparatively few, but subject-specific studies were retrieved from the literature search. Students were found to be less satisfied with the online format of their course, but their overall performance matched that of their classroom counterparts. That feedback was attributed to certain student variables. From the gathered evidence, the statistical significant findings pointed towards similar student achievement levels, but student satisfaction with any type of course depended highly on variables which should have been accounted before online courses were devised. Media comparison studies lacked inclusion of student satisfaction, whilst mixed media instruction studies included this element. When considering the transferability of the selected studies locally, student variables must be factored into the planned programme. A copy of this study and its results will be shared and disseminated to University of Malta course organisers, at University library, prospective students, and at conferences.