Vilanets: An advanced virtual learning environments to improve higher education students' learning achievement in computer network course

Along with increasing the complexity of learning objectives, the traditional Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are insufficient in improving students' learning achievement. Advanced VLEs can be created to overcome this challenge by combining traditional VLEs with Virtual Lab Network Simulation (Vilanets) learning media. This research, conducted over a period of one year, investigates the effect of different VLEs (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). The participants were 58 students assigned into three groups: beginner VLEs using video, intermediate VLEs using the Cisco Packet Tracer simulator, and advanced VLEs using Vilanets learning media. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design and one-way ANCOVA were used for the statistical analysis. The findings revealed a significant effect of VLEs on students' learning achievement posttest scores controlled by pretest scores (F = 4.03; p = 0.02; p < 0.05). The highest learning achievement was observed in students who utilised advanced VLEs (M = 67.66, SE = 2.83). Additionally, advanced VLEs and intermediate VLEs significantly differ in students' learning achievement (p = 0.04; p < 0.05). This research shows that advanced VLE using Vilanets is better than traditional VLE in improving student learning achievement. In conclusion, advanced VLEs can improve the quality of education in computer networking courses. Therefore, to improve students' learning achievement, educators should incorporate advanced VLEs, particularly Vilanets, into computer networking curricula.