VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

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Define a VLE

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching

and learning

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Course_management_system

What are VLE offers• Communication tools (e-mail, bulletin, chat rooms)• Collaboration tools (on-line forums, file sharing, diaries)• Content creation tools• Assessment tools and activity tracking tools• Integration into a MLE• Controlled access to content

Virtual learning environment

Blackboard - a family of softwareWebCT - (Now a part of Blackboard) software applications designed to enhance teaching and learningFirstClass - messaging and communications solutionDesire2Learn - Desire2Learn eLearning solutions.CyberExtension - Virtual Managed Learning EnvironmentIt's Learning - Norwegian Closed Source System (written in ASP.NET)FronterSaba Centra - Closed Source System offered by Saba SoftwareWebTrain - Virtual live classes, enrollment, attendance, attention monitoring..Glow Learn- A VLE accessible through and designed for Glow, the National School Intranet of ScotlandFrog - A VLE in the UK designed to help organise, communicate and to access information, designed by Frog Learning.UniServity cLc (connected learning communities) Learning Platform. UK based and used in 21 countries.Studywiz Learning Environment - A safe online space for schools to collect, organise and manage curriculum to support 21st century learning.eClass - Hong Kong-based closed source system developed by BroadLearning Education AsiaMoodle

Source: Wikipedia

Your VLE

• What is your experience?• Plus points• Minus points• Interesting points

Shattered view of VLE!

Web 2.0• Wikis• RSS feeds• Blogs• Podcasting/videocasting• Content aggregation• Rating • User generated content• Social networking (community)• 3D environments (second life)• etc

The new kids on the block!

www.blogger.comwww.pbwiki.comwww.jellycast.comwww.ning.comwww.typepad.com

http://www.blackboard.com/

Web 2.0• Wikis• RSS feeds• Blogs• Content aggregation• Rating • User generated content (e.g. portfolios, videos)• Social networking (community)• etc

Try www.siteground.com

Web 2.0• Wikis• RSS feeds• Blogs• Content aggregation• Rating • User generated content• Social networking (community)• etc

Virtual Learning Environment=

Develop a learning community

Technology to scale good practice?

Ning.com

Advice

• Try out the components which make a VLE• Build a learning community• Open access• Interesting content (why should I revisit?)• Ownership (hotseat e.g. NCSL)