Students' perspectives on e-learning and the use of a virtual learning environment in dance education

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out how dance students experienced learning in an international distance education program delivered in an e-learning format using a virtual learning environment platform. In order to organize the students’ experiences with the various learning assignments, we focused on three broad categories of learning tasks: individual writing assignments, collaborative assignments, and individual practical assignments. Data were collected from 42 students using a questionnaire and group interviews. Regarding the elearning format, we found that the most crucial factor for carrying out all learning assignments was the teacher’s guidance and feedback on students’ work. Regarding the learning platform, we found that in comparison to other learning tasks, carrying out practical assignments was the most limited with the available tools.