Virtual Learning Environments

1. a mechanism to deliver learning material
2. access to learning resources
3. tools to enable communication, discussion and collaboration amongst learners and with the instructor
4. assessment tools
5. a student tracking system

These could either be individual tools that are programmed to function in an integrated manner or they can be facilities provided by a single product. Users in a VLE are assigned roles of a student, a teacher and an administrator. Each role comes with rights, which follow a hierarchy.

Two other popular terms that are used to refer to these environments are: Content Management System (CMS) and Learning Management System (LMS). The difference between these terms is often debated and there does not seem to be much of a consensus amongst learning professionals on the exact distinction between them.

Advantage VLE

Active Engagement

A VLE offers a platform for learners to actively participate in activities, discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects. And this is true for both courses that are only partly supported by a VLE as well as distance learning courses that are entirely offered on a VLE.

A Community of Learners

This is a significant factor in the case of distance learning. The interactive features offered by a VLE can help simulate a class room environment, enabling collaboration and discussion. The presence of a community of learners can make a course more interesting and effective than a CD based course. Even in the case of a regular instructor lead learning, a VLE enables discussions to be taken outside the class room. Often, students who are reluctant to participate in face to face discussions are eager to share and contribute in an online environment.

Data base of Resources

A VLE can also serve as a repository of resources. Often informative links, assignment questions and class discussions can be lost between emails and papers. But with a VLE everything is saved. A well regulated forum can serve as store house of FAQ type of questions that students can repeatedly visit. Links and class room assignments are stored in specific locations, making it easier to access them later. In other words, A VLE can help manage all the information that is exchanged through the entire learning process.

Administrative Tools

VLEs can also track learner information, helping facilitators keep a tab on how frequently a learner has accessed resources and participated in discussions. The platform also allows learners to submit assignments and be graded for the same. These tools are especially useful when a facilitator has to guide a large learner group.

Aspects to consider

Access to technology

Does the learner have easy access to the internet? A course must be designed and delivered keeping in mind the learner and the learning environment. Therefore if your learner is having trouble accessing course material, chances are that he/she may get frustrated and discontinue the course. This could specifically be a problem if your target audience comes from the developing world.

Comfort level with technology supported learning

It is important to consider if the learner will be comfortable learning in a virtual world, where he/she may have to explore the interface to find resources and links.

It usually helps if the learner is used to working with other internet applications such as social networks, blogs and wikis. But if the learner’s usage of the internet is limited, a few basic tutorials about using the VLE that will make it easier for him/her to operate on the interface. Also, it is a good idea to set apart time at the beginning of the course to help the learner warm up to the environment. This could involve basic tasks such as participants introducing themselves on a forum, commenting on a video that you have put up or even having a chat session at the beginning of the course.

Facilitator Support Quite often, a facilitator may be required to guide learners through a course. The facilitator could either be an authority on the subject of the course or it maybe simply easier for to outsource that aspect of course delivery. Either way, it is important for to ensure that the facilitator is comfortable with the virtual environment. It would be best to run the facilitator through a training session or prepare detailed manuals that will help with acquiring mastery over the interface.