Influence of the virtual learning environment on the academic performance of nursing students

Abstract

Objective

To analyze the influence of the virtual learning environment on the academic performance of nursing students.

Methods

Quantitative, retrospective study, with secondary data from 108 first-year undergraduate nursing students, obtained through a virtual learning environment (e-Disciplinas). The indicators were: number of accesses to the virtual environment, number of materials accessed, number of mandatory tasks performed, number of attempts and correct answers in the quiz, and final grade in the course. The Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation test were performed using software for statistical analysis.

Results

92% adherence to the quiz and a positive correlation between the number of correct answers and the final grade were identified. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the number of accesses to the virtual environment, the number of correct answers in the quiz, and the final grade in the course. The final grade was also correlated with the number of materials accessed and the number of mandatory tasks performed.

Conclusion

The use of the virtual environment as a support strategy in the course had a positive impact on students’ academic performance, suggesting that it facilitates the strengthening of the students’ autonomy and protagonism in their development and their teaching-learning process.

Educational technology; Educacional mesurement; Teaching materials; Education, distance; Students nursing