Challenges associated with effective task execution in a Virtual Learning Environment

In recent years more and more people have started showing an increasing interest in distance or web-based education. Some of the reasons for this are the improvement in information and communication technology as well as advancement in computer networking infrastructures. However although computer technology has played an important role for the development of distance learning management systems the underlying goal of such systems is the delivery of competitive and qualitative education via the distance learning environment. There have been a number of research studies and investigations in the field of Computer supported collaborative learning. This particular study is focused on the challenges associated with task execution in a distance learning environment as perceived by graduate students at a university. The main focus or rationale behind this study is to investigate the importance of computer mediated communication tools in a virtual learning environment as well as the problems facing the teachers or facilitators in their attempt to help learners (students) in the process of task execution and towards achieving the learning goals in a web-based learning system.