Increasingly the perceived benefits of using networked computers,
software applications and computer simulations in learning activities
are being exploited at all educational levels and within all curricula
areas. As web-based and online software applications such as browsers,
search engines, communication tools and data-bases mature, so does
educator's use of this medium for teaching and learning. How we can
investigate the impact of these technologies upon the educational
experiences of learners is the fundamental concept addressed by this
study. The study concludes by presenting a new learning environment
instrument, the Online Learning Environment Survey (OLLES), that will
allow conclusions to be drawn about student perceptions on the
interactions occurring in their online environments in an economical and
efficient manner.