10. Virtual Learning Environments

Imagine that one of your students reads a book. This book can hardly be called a learning environment. However, when the book is read in class, discussed with other students, analyzed and, then, an essay or a summary is written, we have a learning environment. The same occurs with Virtual Learning Environments. A single Web page cannot be called a VLE, but social interaction about it can. Hence, a VLE is a set of tools, including computers and the Internet, designed to develop a learning experience. Usually, they are software systems designed to help in planning and developing of courses using the Web, controlled by teachers and, sometimes, by students. Originally designed to develop distance courses, they are now replacing face-to-face interaction.

We have to take into account that the term VLE is not restricted only to the information spaces. VLE ranges from text-based sites to 3D graphical representations, such as Second Life. Examples of other virtual learning environments are: Blackboard, Moddle, Elluminate, Lotus Learning Space, WebCT, among many others.

The principal components of a VLE include:
- Curriculum mapping
- Student tracking
- Online support for both teacher and student
- Electronic communication (e-mail, threaded discussions, chat, Web publishing, among others)
- Internet links to outside curriculum resources.

VLE are based on a cooperative, learning principle, which allows students to collaborate and express their thoughts, questions and comments in forums or chats. Besides, they include many other useful tools that make learning enjoyable and an interactive space of knowledge construction.

A short clip of London e-Learning Advisers speaking on VLEs' advantages.




Useful links to learn more about this topic:
Virtual meetings
Worshop on VLE