This document provides an overview of virtual learning environments (VLEs) and their components and uses. It discusses how VLEs can support students and lecturers through tools like forums, wikis, blogs, and resources. A VLE allows learning to be structured into modules and includes secure tools and communication channels to engage students anywhere and assist learning in a blended environment. In summary, a VLE is a software system utilizing a database that supports post-16 education through online organization and delivery of learning materials and tools to improve flexible engagement with students.

1. Virtual learning environments (overview) Kevin Brace. HE Coordinator. JISC Regional Support Centre West Midlands my blog : http://www.kev-brace.blogspot.com/ Tuesday 30th September

3. Think differently. Cattle spuds! In order to use a VLE effectively , i.e. not as a storage area for dead handouts, you need to think about moving towards a much more student centred approach to “learning”. For more info see URL : http://www.slideshare.net/kevinbrace/active-learning-presentation

9. Online Notice boards Description: Most users have read-only access. For example, a notice board may be used by lecturers to post administrative information, class notes or other material. Notice boards are very flexible tools and can be used for a variety of purposes. A college website, for example, may include a notice board to announce general college information. Within the VLE, there could be notice boards for each subject area. How the notice board is used depends on where it is located. Certainly within the VLE, a notice board can be used to post documents, notes and other support material. Similar to a shared calendar Providing an alternative for .................................: Email, physical notices VLE:: What is it? :: communication

10. VLE:: What is it? :: communication Real time chat-rooms Description: This is generally a synchronous communication facility - you can enter messages that are displayed on-screen to others who are also visiting the chat room at the same time. Your entry and exit from the chat room is shown on screen in a list of users currently logged in. Some of the chat rooms are 'logged', i.e. the messages are stored in an archive, others are not, i.e. the messages are displayed on screen at the time but not saved. Only use it moderated for teaching , otherwise it’s only a distraction. Providing an alternative for .................................: In-class discussion http://www.netvibes.com/wesch#Intro_Class_Portal

11. Online Discussion Forums (boards) Description: A virtual talking-shop where students (and tutor) can discuss topics and issues that may have come out of a lecture, a class-time exercise or a seminar discussion. Discussion forums are able to sustain the continuous learning process between staff and students and amongst students themselves. This occurs by offering students the opportunity to engage in debate 'anytime, anyplace, anywhere'. Providing an alternative for .................................: Face-to-face classroom discussions/debate. See next slide>> VLE:: What is it? :: communication

12. (threaded) Discussion forum

13. Wiki: Description: A wiki <wee-kee> is a type of website that allows users to add and edit content and is especially suited for constructive collaborative authoring. The term wiki also sometimes refers to the collaborative software itself (wiki engine) that facilitates the operation of such a website ( see wiki software ). Suited to project teams, collaborative projects, etc. See our wiki @ URL: Providing an alternative for .................................: Face-to-face group work VLE:: What is it? :: collaboration http://wiki.rscwmsystems.org.uk/index.php/Synchronous_webcasting_tools

14. Blogs /e-portfolio/ personal web pages: Description: A blog is a website in which journal entries are posted on a regular basis and displayed in reverse chronological order. The term blog is a shortened form of weblog or web log . Individual articles on a blog are called &quot;blog posts,&quot; &quot;posts&quot; or &quot;entries&quot;. A blog comprises hypertext , images , and links (to other web pages and to video , audio and other files). Blogs use a conversational style of documentation . A given blog will usually focus on a particular &quot;area of interest&quot;. Useful for reflection & conveying current info. See my blog @ URL : Providing an alternative for .................................: Handouts, CV’s, personal development portfolios. Used by staff or students, to reflect/feedback. VLE:: What is it? :: collaboration / reflect http://www.kev-brace.blogspot.com/

15. Blogs/ ePortfolios / Personal web pages

17. resources After creating a course structure from a template, the lecturer “uploads” folders or single resources to create a course/module/ or lesson structure within the VLE. Creating a copy of everything on the VLE. The learners can then view these, print them or “download” them to their computer. All resources and courses can be made available to all or only registered users. VLE:: What is it? :: Resources

18. VLE:: What is it? :: Secure tools users secure resources