Issues of Choosing the Suitable Virtual Learning Environment

This study discusses issues of choosing suitable Virtual Learning Environment, the design and development of the online course: “Introduction to Computer Science”, accompanied with the results of the pilot testing of the course. This course is delivered to first year students in the faculty. As in the era of mass higher education and lifelong learning, online education is becoming more and more popular. E-learning offers the student more flexibility and freedom in time and space of learning. Embedding E-learning in existing educational systems poses important issues for institutions. Offering the students an online course that is designed and developed properly to suit various levels of students, and cater to various personal capabilities is a very difficult matter taken into consideration that the tutor and the students can only meet virtually. Quality of course design, use of appropriate tools and the context in w hich learning takes place are prime factors affecting success of online education.