By keeping the curriculum and testing regimes unchanged from previous years, the author was able to use a quasi-experimental method to compare progress during the pilot study with that of previous cohorts, factoring out differences in prior attainment. Evidence for improved attainment through the introduction of the VLE was inconclusive, with only a small, statistically insignificant gain. Data mining techniques suggested that pupils using the VLE in a more strategic manner received the greatest benefit. .
