Understanding Student Experiences and Interaction in Virtual Learning Environments: Evidence from Resource-Constrained Universities in Latin America

Adderly Mamani-Flores
Additional contact information
Adderly Mamani-Flores: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru

European Journal of Social Science Education and Research Articles, 2026, vol. 13

Abstract: Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) have become central to higher education, yet student experiences in resource-constrained settings remain insufficiently explored. This study examines perceptions, usage patterns, and satisfaction with VLEs among Social Sciences students at Peru’s National University of the Altiplano (UNA). A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using a stratified random sample of 112 undergraduates (semesters 4–8), analyzed through descriptive and correlational statistics. Results show that 57.1% of students reported positive experiences, particularly valuing access to learning materials and student–instructor interaction. However, significant challenges persist: 50.9% encountered recurrent technical problems, and 38.4% perceived VLEs as less effective than face-to-face instruction. Videoconferencing tools, mainly Zoom and Google Meet, dominated instructional delivery, while gaps in personalized support and technical assistance were evident. Overall, the findings suggest that although VLEs are perceived as valuable, their effectiveness is constrained by limited digital training and interaction design. Targeted institutional interventions are recommended to enhance VLE performance in underserved higher education contexts.

Keywords: Virtual learning environments; higher education; student perceptions; digital inequality; student experience. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://revistia.com/index.php/ejser/article/view/3424 (text/html)
https://revistia.com/files/articles/ejser_v13_i1_26/Flores.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eur:ejserj:414

DOI: 10.26417/1nbs4b24

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in European Journal of Social Science Education and Research Articles from Revistia Research and Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Revistia Research and Publishing ().