Tools in a Virtual learning Environment
A Virtual Learning Environment is a collection of integrated tools enabling the management of online learning, providing a delivery mechanism, student tracking, assessment and access to resources.
Typically VLEs integrate the following tools:
These tools can support student learning in a number of ways.
Communication
Firstly, they support communication between students and tutors, between students and students or across student groups through synchronous (or real-time) chat and asynchronous online discussions tools. Students can use these facilities to build upon their existing knowledge and create new ideas through online debate and discussion. Some discussion areas can be linked to course material and online quizzes and self-tests. Further information about online communication is available in this infoKit.
Other communication tools include online calendars, diaries or timetables. These can provide an overview of key events during courses and might include submission dates for assessments, reminders about TV/radio programmes to watch/listen to and additional meetings (online or face-to-face). The calendar can also be linked to other areas within the VLE, such as course content.
Some VLEs may have email facilities which can be used for communicating on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis. Using an email system within the VLE has the advantage of keeping messages about the course separate from other email communications. However, usually students log on to a number of other email systems, including their institutional account. Therefore students may not wish to access the VLE email account and learn to use yet another system. To overcome this problem, some institutions have linked the VLE email with institutional email, so that students and tutors only have to check one account.
Assessment
Secondly, VLEs have tools for formative and summative assessment. Self-tests can be used by students for quick concept-checking and 'formative' feedback. Quizzes can provide guidance for both the tutor and the students; the results can highlight key areas that have not been fully understood by the student and which the tutor or teaching team can then cover in later sessions, online or face-to-face. Tutor feedback provided in these assessment tools is a key element in helping students develop an understanding of a subject; it is essential that tutors provide comprehensive feedback and not just indicate whether a question is 'right' or 'wrong' (Juwah, MacFarlane, Matthew, Ross, Nichol & Smith 2004).
Students can submit assignments within a particular area of the VLE. This can be set up to indicate the time and date of submission. Assessment marks can be released to students (individually) online. Further information about using online assessment is available elsewhere in this infoKit. This is particularly relevant for distance learning students. An example of the use of the dropbox is provided in the FERL case study by Pat McCann.
Collaboration
Thirdly, there are tools that can support collaboration within and across student groups. For example, the file upload facilities in a VLE allow tutors and students to share resources by moving learning materials (for example articles, notes, images, PowerPoint files, etc) into the VLE. This can be achieved by dragging-and-dropping the file into a designated area within the VLE.
Whiteboard software is a useful way of 'visualising' ideas and concepts. This software allows students to draw images collaboratively or, alternatively, to upload images and discuss them using chat facilities (text or audio communication) while simultaneously viewing the image. This software is particularly useful in design education, eg. the visual arts, architecture and engineering.
Other facilities
Other facilities which may be available in a VLE include student tracking which will provide tutors with information about when a student first accessed a course, how frequently they have accessed it and which areas they have accessed. It is essential that students know that you have access to this tool and you may also want to check with your IT department regarding their security and intervention policies.
VLEs can be linked (either directly or via a web link) to other online learning tools, which are not part of the VLE, for example concept mapping. These may provide further functionality, eg: WriteNote which is a referencing tool for students. This software is housed on the WriteNote server but can be linked to course materials and online discussions. Turnitin is a tool for checking accurate citing and helping to prevent plagiarism. For generic advice and guidance on all aspects of plagiarism prevention and detection, including Turnitin, visit the JISC Plagiarism Advisory Service
Also, VLEs can link directly to your institution's Library or Learning Centre. This may be to your Library's catalogue, to resources that your librarians/learning centre teams have developed or to digital libraries.
Further information about the tools within a VLE is available on the FERL website.
