Introduction to VLEs
A version of the core material comprising this section is available for download as a printable version in pdf format. (The Adobe Acrobat Reader to allow viewing of pdf files is available for download here).
This introductory section provides an overview of virtual learning environments (VLEs) focussing on how they can be used to improve the learning experience for both the learner and the tutor. The potential uses of VLEs for learning and teaching and models of learning are discussed and specific examples of where VLEs may be used to resolve current learning and teaching issues are provided. By the end of the section you should be ready to start thinking about course design.
The section is divided into five parts and throughout there are links to additional materials, readings, case studies and websites as well as a resources section.
As well as a general overview, this section looks at:
What tools are typically available for tutors in a VLE?
What are the advantages for you, the tutor, in using a VLE?
What problems can a VLE solve for you?
By the end of this section you should have a general overview of what a VLE is and some of the issues involved when deploying a course with a VLE.
Some practical considerations
Prior to working through this section, you might like to consider some of the following issues, for you, the tutor:
Your access to a 'modernish' computer with Internet connection. You will need time to design and develop a course using a VLE and then time to maintain it. If you do not have easy access to a relatively modern computer with Internet access then this is going to have a severe impact on how quickly and efficiently you work and develop your course.
Your skills at using information technology. VLEs are becoming easier to use but you will need to be comfortable with organising documents in folders, using the Web and email. If at all possible, you might also consider getting some introductory knowledge about developing webpages. If you are worried about your skills you might consider getting some training through your institution or taking the European Computer Driving Licence (further information about this is available at: http://www.ecdl.ie/LatestNews/index.asp). This will help you when you are starting to use your institution's VLE and reduce the amount of time that you need to spend improving your skills.
Bristol University has developed a quick online guide for tutors to check their understanding of learning technology - http://www.ltss.bris.ac.uk/interact/22/in22p13.html
Your current commitments.
Is it the right time for you?
Do you have the time to design a course using a VLE?
Do you have the time to deploy a course in a VLE?
Designing and deploying a course in a VLE for the first time will require your time and this will probably be a significant amount of time if it is going to be really effective. You will need to plan both the use of the VLE and the subsequent changes to the overall delivery of your course. After the first and subsequent iterations updating will be quicker and you will only need to set aside time for refinements. However, if you are in the middle of a programme review, an inspection, a course validation, finishing your Master's or PhD or writing up a research bid, it may be better to wait for a few months before starting to use your institution's VLE. It is, of course, all too easy to find reasons why we should postpone change and hopefully this infoKit will encourage you to try something new sooner rather than later.
Resources
The Higher Education Academy's website at http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/. The Higher Education Academy works with higher education in the UK and focuses on the student learning experience. It has an extensive number of e-learning resources and subject centres which provide useful information and case studies about e-learning;
The JISC e-learning programme - http://www.jisc.ac.uk/elearning
The FERL (Further Education Resources for Learning) website at http://www.ferl.becta.org.uk/. FERL aims to provide advice and guidance to ensure effective use of ILT within the Post Compulsory Education sector. It has a number of e-learning resources and case studies;
The SFEU (Scottish Further Education Unit)- http://www.sfeu.ac.uk - seeks to raise standards of practice in Scottish further education. We reference some of its materials; access to these is by subscription which your institution may already have.
Alternatively the subject specific Higher Education Academy centres have sections on e-learning on their websites and also in their journals. For example, the subject centre for Hospitality, Tourism, Leisure and Sport provides an overview of the use of VLEs in their subject area at: http://www.hlst.heacademy.ac.uk/projects/haven_report.pdf
