Students online interaction in a blended learning environment - A case study of the first experience in using an LMS

Abstract

The main objectives of the research presented in this paper are to explore online interactions and engagement of students who are using a Learning Management System (LMS) for the first time in their studies, and the impact of different types of students' online interactions on their learning outcomes. To answer our research questions, we have conducted a semester-long study with 88 undergraduate students enrolled in the Quality Engineering course taught in the blended learning mode. Our findings show that the students perceived interaction as a dominant aspect of the online part of the course (done using the Moodle LMS). Our findings also provide evidence that different types of interactions can influences different levels of learning outcomes. If the acquisition of factual knowledge is desired, then interaction with learning content is the most influential. However, if higher levels of learning outcomes are to be achieved, then more interactive online communication is needed. The need for interaction is rising with increasing levels of learning objectives (outcomes). Our findings also show that students' involvement in more challenging activities, in order to fulfil more demanding learning objectives (like application of knowledge or analysis, synthesis and evaluation) increase their need for student-teacher and student-student interaction.