Managing for Sustainability
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).
You may find that, if your institution has a centrally-managed VLE system, it is based on a 'one size fits all' philosophy: the system is trying to accommodate different styles of teaching across the institution and, as a result, is likely be a compromise for everyone. No single system can manage all aspects of course building. This requires a range of software, each of which focuses on one particular aspect of the educational process. All of these must be 'interoperable' (i.e. must be able to pass information from one system to another). VLEs are now being constructed by integrating two or more systems to build online environments that suit particular learning situations. These specialised systems can support:
Storage and sourcing of resources: digital libraries, web based digital repositories.
Moving and packaging of resources: content packaging tools.
Usage and integration of resources: VLEs, e-Portfolios, shared workspaces.
Some of the current issues with Virtual Learning Environment systems include:
Flexible course design - Many systems are focussed around a single educational method (usually the lecture-tutorial), which limits the potential of the VLE to support other methods.
Control - Some VLEs do not allow students active roles such as negotiating assessments, setting up online discussions, or developing and uploading their own learning resources.
Reusing resources - VLE systems do not always have an integrated database or digital repository. This means that resources cannot easily be shared. As a result, multiple copies of a single resource may be generated - all of which have to be updated individually.
Integrating different e-learning tools - Not all systems are interoperable. Therefore, once a VLE has been adopted, it may be difficult to transfer courses to other VLEs. As a result you can be 'locked in' to a single system.
VLE systems under development are allowing resources to be stored, sourced and reused in a flexible way. These systems are underpinned by learning technology standards that allow materials to be reused and shared across systems. This section reviews some of the systems that can be integrated with VLEs to help tutors and students easily manage learning materials.
The JISC e-Learning Frameworks (eLF) programme is developing a range of open source software tools that can work together or with other systems to provide a comprehensive framework for the support of e-learning. The tools allow resources to be stored, sourced and reused in a flexible way and are underpinned by learning technology standards that allow reuse and sharing across systems.
