Understanding Teachers’ Utilisation and Impact of a Virtual Learning Environment: A Multiple-Case Study in Post-Primary Schools in Malaysia

Abstract

In line with the vast development of information and communication technology (ICT) and the aim to increase access to education, many nations have introduced teaching and learning that are supplemented with a cloud-based virtual learning environment (VLE). This study is designed to examine the extent of VLE utilisation in Malaysian post-primary national schools. Despite profuse amount of VLE-related programmes, the Malaysian government's national audit findings reported low usage of the VLE. While previous studies have investigated reasons for the underutilisation, focus on gaining a complete understanding behind teachers' utilisation of VLE and its impact on teachers' professional practice is still limited. This research is based on a multiple-case study design, utilising interviews, classroom observations and a survey in an attempt to get a complete understanding of the topic regarding teachers' utilisation of VLE. This study explores the relationships between continuing professional development (CPD) sessions and teacher change as well as teachers' belief. Findings from this study is aimed at providing rich data that enables in-depth understanding of the topic, and that which contributes to valuable recommendations that may be used specifically to improve VLE utilisation in Malaysian post-primary national schools. The findings will also provide important reference for the general academic society regarding a case study research focusing on the utilisation and impact of VLE, especially on a nationwide implementation.