Repercussion of didactic methodology with support of virtual learning environments in students' performance

The main aim of this research is to know the existing connection between the didactic methodology used with support of virtual learning environments and the academic achievement obtained by the students of one subject at the Social Education course program throughout the academic year 2008-2009. The sample is formed by 1547 students and teacher tutors. A mixed design was used (quantitative and qualitative). The research concludes that there is not a lineal relationship between the participation on the virtual course and the academic achievement. A content analysis has been performed in order to analyze the content of messages sent to the discussion forums. On the other hand, a descriptive and relational study of the student's academic performance (test results and activitate task) has been carried out, as well as their participation on the online course (access to the online course, read messages in the forums and messages sent to the forums). The results indicate that there is no correlation between the variables "Academic achievement" and "Participation" in the virtual course. Moreover, the data indicates that through the discussion forums, students mainly ask for information and exchange it not focely connected with doubts about contents (86.85% of the messages sent). It is concluded that is necesary a rethink about the use of discussion forums as a learning support tool.