11061

11061

Refereed Paper with Presentation

**Challenges and Avenues of VLEs for first time e-learners: A Reflective Note**
Arunasalam Sambhanthan, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, arunsambhanthan@gmail.com

Having exposed to e-learning as a student and being actively involved in computer mediated research, I used to think and discuss with my colleagues about the challenges and avenues, a first time undergraduate e-learner could expect from a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Also, I had few instances where I was expected for mentoring from my juniors - who have newly registered for e-learning courses. As a result, following testable questions were passing through my mind during some thoughtful moments. What are the challenges a first time undergraduate e-learner faces? What innovative learning avenues a first time undergraduate e-learner find in VLEs? Hence, the following critical reflections are based on my learning journey as an undergraduate student moving into an online top up degree, after completing the initial couple of years of tertiary education in a traditional face to face learning environment. The reflections are being validated with literature findings, a number of thought provoking discussions and relevant ethnographic interactions I had with my colleagues and juniors. This ensures that my reflections are on par with the perspective of an e-learner represents the above population.

Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All Audiences Virtual Learning Environments, first time e-learners