How do diverse groups of learners in the health sciences respond to a new virtual learning environment?

Funded by the Learning Teaching Support Network for Health SciencesEdinburghAims of the project In the original proposal, the stated aims of this research were to: 'Investigate learners' responses to their first exposure to a new learning experience in a VLE Examine learners' attitudes to the VLE as an effective learning environment through the project Compare and contrast attitudes to a VLE in two different physiotherapy programmes.' Objectives of the project The main objective of the research (as stated in the original proposal) was to provide a detailed analysis into the experience of two specific and differing physiotherapy student cohorts who were new to using VLEs in the learning experience. We aimed to: 'Provide an overview of the literature on the use and value of VLEs in the health sciences. This will focus specifically on initial learner attitudes to Information Technology in learning Conduct a study exploring students' reactions to, and participation in a VLE during the lifetime of the project Identify issues in preparing students in the use of a VLE drawn from diverse groups Evaluate the findings of the study which will: Review students attitudes to the use of a VLE in physiotherapy programmes Highlight individual, social and technical barriers for the meaningful implementation of the VLE from the student perspective Consider the potential for VLEs for the health science community as a whole as well as to the individual lecturer Raise awareness, throughout the duration of the project, of the potential roles of VLE in improving students learning.'CAPAlexander, S. 2001. E-learning developments and experiences. Education and Training, 43 (4/5), pp. 240 - 248. Aspden, L., Helm, P. and Thorpe, L. 2003. Capturing learners' experiences with e-learinng: preliminary findings. 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