Online simulation for information technology skills training in higher education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore student’s experiences when practicing information technology skills with an online simulation environment. After using the online simulation environment over a five-week period, 215 undergraduate students were surveyed regarding their usage-related experiences, satisfaction with the environment, and perceived learning. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. The quantitative results suggested that perceived ease of use had a direct effect on student’s satisfaction with the online simulation environment, and that the satisfaction with the online simulation environment led to higher perceived learning. The qualitative findings revealed that technical problems, not being able to accomplish the objective of a step due to the precision required by the task, and the inflexibility of certain features of the online simulation environment were the commonly referenced issues, which might have impacted student’s satisfaction and their perceived learning.