Virtual Learning Environment

1. Virtual Learning
Environment
Dr. Binu Babu
Ph. D (N), MSN, MBA
Mrs. Jincy Ealias
MSN, RN

2. Definition of Virtual Learning
Environment
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a
collection of software tools supporting
academic administration, teaching and
research using the Internet.

3. Examples of VLE
• Moodle
• Zoom
• Blackboard
• Tata Ion
• Google Classroom
• Simulation Software

4. Simulation Based Learning Environments

5. Transformation in Virtual Learning

6. Examples
• Distance Learning Degree Programs
• Professional Certification Courses
• Instructional Videos
• Video or Audio Lectures
• Books, Articles, and Other Writings
• Podcasts
• Webinars
• High School or University Classes

7. Functional Components
• Information
• Content
• Communication
• Assessment:
• Management

8. Functional Components: Information
• News, notices, documents, regulations,
syllabi, announcements & schedules

9. Functional Components: Content
Lecture notes and reading lists, through to
video demonstrations and podcasts, plus
hyperlinks to external content
[A podcast is an episodic series of spoken word digital
audio files that a user can download to a personal device
for easy listening.]

10. Functional Components: Communication
Online tools augmenting face to face contact
through facilities such as mailing lists,
moderated discussion forum, messaging,
and wikis

11. Functional Components: Assessment
• Formative and summative assessments can
be supported by tests, surveys &
assignments.
• Feedback can be provided using a variety of
methods and media, like annotated scripts
and video commentaries

12. Functional Components: Management
Can support the planning and delivery of
courses across departments and schools
covering course registration, student
monitoring, and the administration of
marks.

13. VLE s also allow
• Content management – creation, storage, access to
and use of learning resources
• Curriculum mapping & planning – lesson planning,
assessment, personalization of the learning
experience
• Learner Engagement & Administration – tracking
of progress and achievement
• Real time communication – live video conferencing
or audio conferencing

14. Common Components of VLE
• Syllabus
• Administrative information about the course: prerequisites, credits,
registration, payments, physical sessions, and contact information for
the instructor.
• A notice board
• Learning material such as copies of lecture in the form of text, audio, or
video presentations, and the supporting visual presentations
• links to outside resources.
• Self-assessment quizzes, peer assessment
• Examinations, essay submission, or presentation of projects

15. Common Components of VLE
• Communications, including e-mail, threaded discussions, chat-
rooms, Twitter and other media,
• Wikis, blogs, RSS [RDF Site Summary] and 3D virtual learning spaces.
• Links to outside sources
• Management of access rights for instructors, their assistants, course
support staff, and students
• Documentation and statistics for institutional administration
and quality control
• Submissions by the students
• hyperlinks to create a unified presentation to the students.
• Interactive online whiteboard for live virtual classes

16. Advantages of a VLE
• Easy Tracking and Assessment
• Seamless Delivery
• Time Savings
• Financial Savings
• Communication and Connection
• Flexibility

17. Disadvantages of a VLE
• Dwindling Attention Spans
• No clarification in real time
• Discomfort with Technology
• Not effective to teach complex matters
• No Human-to-human contact
• Poor team-building

18. How to overcome the limitations?
• Dwindling Attention Spans: Alternate with
quizzes, videos, assignments, asking them to
comment..
• No clarification in real time: Periodical
Interactions, Chat Boards, Social Media
Groups
• Discomfort with Technology: Gently
encourage.

19. How to overcome the limitations?
• Not effective to teach complex matters:
Reduce to Meaningful Chunks, ultra short
videos
• No Human-to-human contact: Come in Live
Chat once in a while.
• Poor team-building: Not necessarily! Many
great training programs are done online!

20. Student Involvement
• Student led discussions
• Students find, discuss, and share web
resources
• Peer assistance and teaching
• Peer grading and review

21. Other VLE Components
• Video Screen casting
• Webinar Tools
• Instant Chat
– Face book chat
– Google Talk chat
– Skype chat

22. Other VLE Components
• Digital Learning Objects
– Popplet – Mind mapping and project planning
– Quizlet – Create fun study tools for students
– Voice Thread – Asynchronous discussions with
video
– Thing Link – Make images interactive

23. Other VLE Components
• Keep Track: Keep track of failing students
• Office Hours: Offer “office hours” to help
struggling students
• Virtual Office Forum
• Good Directions
• Be available
• Online Learning Communities

24. References
• Gillespie, Helena. Learning and Teaching
with Virtual Learning Environments. Exeter,
Learning Matters, 2007.
• Gitlin, Marty. Virtual Learning. Ann Arbor,
Cherry Lake Publishing, 2020.

25. THANK YOU