Virtual Learning Environments to Enhance Students’ Positive Attitudes Towards English Learning at Normal Superior de Medellín

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study was aimed to examine the extent to which Virtual Learning Environments (VLE’s) could enhance students’ positive attitudes towards English learning at the Normal Superior de Medellín. Participants were pre-service teachers in their last year of training. Students’ attitudes were measured through an attitudes’ Likert scale and a self-report questionnaire. Journal, cooperative teacher interview, and focus group were implemented to identify the impact of VLE’s on the attitudes towards English learning. Results showed that positive feelings, thoughts, and behaviors were simultaneously enhanced during the implementation, which in turn positively affected students’ performance. The concept of stability between the three components of the attitudes is underlined and implications for English teachers are discussed.