THE INFLUENCE OF LEARNING RESOURCES SELF-REGULATION IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WEB-BASED VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT COURSES

Abstract

The student’s characteristic is an important element of Web-based courses effectiveness. The ability of the student in self-regulating time, effort, physical and social environment is critical for success. The objective of this research is to identify the influence of student’s individual differences regarding the learning resources self-regulation in the effectiveness of Web-based virtual learning environments courses. A case study research in a course for the Núcleos de Tecnologia Educacional (NTE) of Brazilian South Region schools was carried out to reach the objective. Six data collection sources were used: direct observation, documents and records analysis, open and focus interviews, and survey research. Data analysis has identified the influence of self-regulated learning in Web-based course effectiveness. Aspects of course effectiveness analyzed were students perception (1) of results, quality and satisfaction with the course, (2) of Web-based course effectiveness compared to the traditional courses effectiveness, and (3) of the advantages and disadvantages of the Web-based courses.