A virtual learning
environment (VLE) is a set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance a
student's learning experience by including computers and the Internet in the
learning process. The principal components of a VLE package include curriculum
mapping (breaking curriculum into sections that can be assigned and assessed),
student tracking, online support for both teacher and student, electronic
communication (e-mail, threaded discussions, chat, Web publishing), and
Internet links to outside curriculum resources. In general, VLE users are
assigned either a teacher ID or a student ID. The teacher sees what a student
sees, but the teacher has additional user rights to create or modify curriculum
content and track student performance. There are a number of commercial VLE
software packages available, including Blackboard, WebCT, Lotus Learning Space,
and COSE.
A virtual learning environment can also include students and
teacher “meeting” online through a synchronous web-based application. The
teacher is able to present lessons through video, PowerPoint, or chatting. The
students are able to talk with other students and the teacher, as well as
collaborate with each other, answer questions, or pose questions. They can use
the tools available through the application to virtually raise their hand, send
messages, or answer questions on the screen given by the teacher.
VLE Learning platforms commonly allow learner engagement and
administration – managed access to learner information and resources and
tracking of progress and achievement; and communication and collaboration via
emails, notices, chat, wikis, blogs etc.
In principle a learning platform is a safe and secure environment that
is reliable, available online and accessible to a wide user base. A user should
be able to move between learning platforms throughout their life with no loss
of access to their personal data. The concept of a learning platform
accommodates a continuously evolving description of functionality changing to meet the needs of the user.
VLE can help teachers and support staff manage and deliver a variety of
daily tasks, including:
·
the creation
of lesson plans using existing resources
·
allocation
and marking of on-line assignments
·
discussion
and support with students on line
The various interactive tools of VLEs can also support students with
both class work and homework, and can cater for individual learning styles. For
example, students can:
·
submit and
track their assignments on line via a personal home page
· contribute
to and participate in discussions with classmates and other schools via the
various tools
·
work at
their own pace within and out of school
·
complete
their worksheets and tests online for final submission and grading
·
attempt
offline assignments with instructions and guides from the learning platform
Being able to work at their own pace is particularly beneficial to
students. This allows the student to personalize their learning, to go
back on lessons taught in classrooms and revise on their work, or if they feel
confident they can progress to the next level or topic and prepare for lessons
ahead. Doing so allows them to reinforce teaching and learning in the
classrooms.
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