Virtualization of University Education: The Impact of ICT-Mediated Learning Environment on Students' Performance

Ict-Mediated Learning Environment

An ICT-mediated learning or e-learning can be described as all forms of electronic supported learning and teaching, which are procedural in character and aim to affect the construction of knowledge with reference to individual experience, practice and knowledge of the learner. Information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process (Tavangarian, Leypold, Nölting, Röser, & Voigt, 2004; O’Donnell, Wade, Sharp, & O’Donnell, 2014)

There are various dimensions of ICT-mediated learning. This includes blending of the delivery mode, the blend of distance and face-to-face modes using technologies to enable flexible scheduling (Sharpe, Benfield, Roberts, & Francis, 2006) and a learning environment which remains institution and teacher-centred whilst the virtual learning environment is used as a repository for and a means of transmitting content to the students (Graham, 2006; Sharpe, et al, 2006). Masie (2002) posits that due to the complexities of human beings learning do not occur in a uniform manner. Consequently, ICT-mediated learning environments recognises the importance of giving the students equal access to learning resources to shape their own learning processes. Indeed, Fulantelli (2009) emphasizes that, ICT-mediated learning environment enables the sharing and shaping of ideas, and creating a community of learners among the students.