Virtual learning environment


A virtual learning environment in educational technology is a Web-based platform for the digital aspects of courses of study, usually within educational institutions. They present resources, activities and interactions within a course structure and provide for the different stages of assessment. VLEs also usually report on participation; and have some level of integration with other institutional systems.
For teachers and instructors who edit them, VLEs may have a de facto role as authoring and design environments. VLEs have been adopted by almost all higher education institutions in the English-speaking world.

Components

The following are the main components required for the best virtual learning learning environment or online education curriculum to take place.
VLE learning platforms commonly allow:
A VLE may include some or all of the following elements:
A VLE is normally not designed for a specific course or subject, but is capable of supporting multiple courses over the full range of the academic program, giving a consistent interface within the institution and—to some degree—with other institutions using the system. The virtual learning environment supports the worldwide exchange of information between a user and the learning institute he or she is currently enrolled in through digital mediums like e-mail, chat rooms, web 2.0 sites or a forum.

Student accessibility features

One of the processes to enhance the learning experience was the virtual resource room, which is student-centered, works in a self-paced format, and which encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In virtual mode, the materials are available in the form of computer-aided learning programs, lecture notes, special self-assessment modules. Another mechanism for the student to student interactions in a form of simple discussion forum is by using a novel link cyber tutor. This allows the students with an email account to connect with course content and the staff with their doubts and related questions. The students are able to contact the staff without a face to face visit which saves the on-campus time. The staff remains anonymous which allows for the several staff to act as a cyber tutor during the course. The student do not remain anonymous although their email address are cryptic enough to mask their identity. Students can discuss the exams, lab reports, posters, lectures, technical help with downloading materials. The evaluation of the use of a Virtual resource room is done by surveys, focus groups, and online feedback forms. The students have 24 hours of access to the learning material in a day which suits their lifestyles.

Similar terms

Computerized learning systems have been referred to as electronic educational technology, e-learning, learning platform or learning management system. The major difference is that VLE and LMS are applications, whereas the Learning Platform shares characteristics with an Operating System where different educational web-based applications can be run on the platform.
The terms virtual learning environment and learning platform are generically used to describe a range of integrated web-based applications that provide teachers, learners, parents and others involved in education with information, tools, and resources to support and enhance educational delivery and management. These terms are broadly synonymous with 'managed learning environments' and 'managed virtual learning environments'.
The applications that form part of these online services can include web pages, email, message boards, and discussion forums, text and video conferencing, shared diaries, online social areas, as well as assessment, management, and tracking tools.
The term learning platform refers to a range of tools and services often described using terms such as educational extranet, VLE, LMS, ILMS and LCMS providing learning and content management. The term learning platform also includes the personal learning environment or personal online learning space, including tools and systems that allow the development and management of portfolios.
The specific functionality associated with any implementation of a learning platform will vary depending upon the needs of the users and can be achieved by bringing together a range of features from different software solutions either commercially available, open source, self-built or available as free to use web services. These tools are delivered together via a cohesive user environment with a single entry point, through integration achieved by technical standards.
The term LMS can also mean a "library management system".

Justification

Middle School and High School use VLEs in order to:
Institutions of higher and further education use VLEs in order to:
Online learners performed modestly better, on average than those learning the same material through traditional face-to-face instruction.

Controversy

VLEs are supposed to support many 21st century skills, including:
Both supporters and critics of virtual learning environments recognize the importance of the development of such skills, including creativity, communication, and knowledge application; however, the controversy lies in whether or not virtual learning environments are practical for both teachers and students.
Critics of VLE worry about the disconnect that can occur between the teacher and students, as well as between student to student. A Virtual Learning Environment does not provide students with face-to-face interaction and therefore, can deprive students of opportunities for better communication and deeper understanding. Educators also have concerns pertaining to a student's computer literacy skills and access to quality technology. Both can create a challenge for students to succeed in a Virtual Learning Environment. A study among Indian students has suggested that a negative experience with virtual learning environments can leave "the learner with a passive, un-engaging experience, leading to incomplete learning and low performance".
The VLE leads to a reported higher computer self-efficacy, while participants report being less satisfied with the learning process that is achieved in the Virtual Learning Environment.

Standards

Most VLEs support the Shareable Content Object Reference Model as a standard, but there are no commonly used standards that define how the learner's performance within a course can be transferred from one VLE to another.
There are also standards for sharing content such as those defined by the IMS Global Consortium. Local bodies such as in the school's sector in the UK the DCSF via Becta have additionally defined a learning platform "conformance framework" to encourage interoperability.
Virtual learning environments are not limited only to students and learners in university-level studies. There are many virtual learning environments for students in grades K-12. These systems are also particularly suited for the needs of independent educational programs, charter schools, and home-based education.
As virtual teaching and learning become more deeply integrated into curricula, it is important to assess the quality and rigor of virtual programs. The Virtual Learning Program Standards provide a framework for identifying key areas for effective teaching and learning in Virtual Learning Programs throughout the Northeast and the nation.

Assessments

Educators need benchmark tools to assess a virtual learning environment as a viable means of education.
Walker developed a survey instrument known as the Distance Education Learning Environment Survey, which is accessible to students anywhere. DELES examines instructor support, student interaction, and collaboration, personal relevance, authentic learning, active learning, and student autonomy.
Harnish and Reeves provide a systematic criteria approach based on training, implementation, system usage, communication, and support.