Virtual learning environments (VLEs) have the potential to significantly enhance students' learning experiences by providing flexible, personalised, and accessible educational opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings. Their importance has grown significantly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of e-learning platforms and virtual learning activities. In the digital era, modern education requires not only the integration of digital technologies but also the transformation of traditional pedagogical models to support interactive and collaborative learning.

Despite the advantages of digital tools in creating engaging learning environments, conventional teaching methods remain dominant and may hinder the achievement of broader educational outcomes. The successful integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into teaching—whether in physical classrooms or digital environments—requires a strong pedagogical foundation. Educators must therefore possess both technological competencies, to understand and use digital tools effectively, and pedagogical competencies, to align these tools with learning objectives. Continuous professional development is essential to equip teachers with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving educational landscape.

This paper presents the results of a study conducted among higher education teachers in Croatia, focusing on their use of the Merlin e-learning platform, developed by the SRCE E-learning Centre and based on the open-source Moodle system. The research explored how teachers utilise the platform, their perceptions of its effectiveness in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, and its role in supporting learning outcomes. The research also reflected on the digital competence of the teachers and their self-assessment of their digital competences to effectively use VLE. The research results helped SRCE to define procedures and activities at the national level to improve the quality of education in an online environment, to identify the needs for training and education needs of higher education teaching staff, and to ensure the highest quality support in the design of teaching and learning in an online environment, and to further ensure and upgrade the virtual learning environment for the needs of the higher education system in Croatia.

Keywords: Virtual learning environments (VLEs).