Understanding the Use of Online Tools Embedded Within a Virtual Learning Environment

Different learning tools are available within virtual learning environments, including forums, quizzes, and ePortfolios. This article investigates perceptions of helpfulness and ease of use of these three tools, including how they are impacted by learner characteristics and what predicts frequency of use of each tool. Critically, the relationship between perceived helpfulness of the three tools and their ability to support achievement of learning outcomes and development of employability skills is assessed. The findings support previous work showing an impact of learner characteristics on perceived helpfulness and ease of use for all tools. Results also show that the ability of forums to support achievement of learning outcomes predicts their perceived helpfulness, whilst development of employability skills predicts helpfulness of quizzes. In turn, helpfulness but not ease of use predicted frequency of these tools.