This chapter presents and discusses the results of a study we carried out to investigate students’ attitude and performance to using a managed online learning environment known as WebCT. The chapter starts off with an overview of the literature in this area of research, including a definition of the main technical terms referred to in the research literature. The chapter then goes on to provide a detailed description of the study set-up and presents the main findings obtained from this study. The results are then discussed in relation to previous findings in the research literature.
Teaching and learning are no longer limited by place or time. Large numbers of educational institutions are now using course management systems such as WebCT. This study examined students’ attitude and achievement in relation to their use of WebCT. Statistical data was gathered weekly from the WebCT tracking system log files. Students’ achievement was measured by the grades they obtained in the observed module. Students’ attitudes towards WebCT were measured using a Likert-type attitude scale. The results of this study indicated that students have a positive attitude towards WebCT. The module leader valued WebCT as a supporting tool to traditional face-to-face learning but not as an effective tool for helping students’ learning. The use of WebCT was found to have positive influence on students’ achievement as statistically significant relationships were found between students’ use of WebCT and their grades.
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