Exploring Virtual learning Environments for Learning

According to Wikipedia, a virtual learning environment (VLE) is ¨a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting, as distinct from a Managed Learning Environment, (MLE) where the focus is on management.¨ A VLE will normally work over the Internet and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces.

A VLE should make it possible for a course designer to present to students, through a single, consistent, and intuitive interface, all the components required for a course of education or training. Although logically it is not a requirement, in practice VLEs always make extensive use of computers and the Internet.

VLE´s are not restricted to distance education as they can also enrich classroom education. A VLE is a social space, educational interactions occur in the environment. Students are the actors as they construct virtual space. Most virtual environments overlap with physical environments. Some learning environments for learning are: Moodle, Second Life, WIZIQ.

For example the Modular Object oriented Dynamic Learning Environment also known as MOODLE is a software package for producing Internet-based courses and web sites. It is a global development project designed to support a social constructionist framework of education, it allows teachers to apply programes that can allow among other things, to be able to show things to students, the practice and grading of assignments and the creation of course design.

My personal experience centers around WIZIQ the technical platform that allows the setting up of a virtual classroom anywhere and it allows itself perfectly for distance learning. What is really important is that it is relatively easy to use, all you need is to open an account with them to participate and you become part of this huge learning network whereby classes can have chats, video and presentations in real time or if you miss class by any chace, then you can listen to post class recordings.

The world will never be the same again !

"Learning is breaking out of the narrow boxes that it was trapped in during the 20th century; teachers' professionalism, reflection and ingenuity are leading learning to places that genuinely excite this new generation of connected young school students - and their teachers too. VLEs are helping to make sure that their learning is not confined to a particular building, or restricted to any single location or moment." Professor Stephen Heppell, Yorkshire and Humber Grid for Learning Foundation (YHGfL) in Britain.