Online Learning widens access and significantly improves student success rates

E-learning can encourage students from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for university as well as improving overall student success rates, according to a research report published today by Kingston University.

Researchers investigated how the use of Kingston University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) from Blackboard, which supplies on-line software to HE institutions, could boost the numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education. They also looked at whether e-learning could improve undergraduates' chances of achieving a good degree. Funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies the £340,000 project has taken three years to complete.