VLEs: what, why, and who?

This is an effort from me to describe what are VLEs, their importance, and their users. Please let me know if there is something I missed out.

WHAT?

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting. (www.wikipedia.org)

VLEs are designed to include several sections like discussion board, announcements, web links, course content, assessments, grades, chat, work groups, assignments, calendar, etc.

WHY?

* For online/distance teaching.
As a distance learning student in the MA DTCE program in the university of Manchester, I have been exposed to both blackboard and moodle. Both VLEs provide most of the features mentioned above. The difference in design of each VLE did have an impact on how I viewed the organization of the course. So evaluation of distance learning programs has to take into consideration not only the content/instruction of the course, but also the mode and platform of delivery.


* As a support for the face to face teaching mode.

Listening to Mike Chapman talk about his school's use of moodle showed how helpful VLEs can be if used alongside the classroom. He pointed out how helpful it is to post material online so that it can be accessed by students at any time. He also mentioned how parents appreciated the use of moodle because if allowed them to monitor what their children take in school. He also rose the issue of the need for technical support, training, and contingency plans (if migration to other systems was needed)

WHO?

As mentioned above, VLEs can be used for distance learning or as a support to the classrooms, which make it an option for all education levels from the primary up to the post graduate. The features and requirements of VLEs will thus differ according to the target market of the system. For younger learners, VLEs will usually focus on the images, graphics, and sound. For older learners, focus will be more on the organization and structure, and on how easily users can manage their way through the system.

One thing to not with different age groups is that ease of navigation is important for adult learners who have been exposed less to different technologies/software system. KG and primary level VLEs will usually expect less interaction from the users and will focus on the display. Perhaps students within the age range of 12-30 will be (at the present time) able to deal with more complicated features because they have been raised 'with' technology.