The virtual learning environment (VLE) provides resources and tools for communication between students and their tutor. Students can submit assignments, access course materials, participate in online discussions, and arrange observations through the VLE. It includes sections for feedback, resources, forums, personal account management, and reporting issues. The VLE is new and still in beta testing phase.

1. Joan Patterson Associates Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) @ www.vle.dtlls.co.uk

2. Introduction The purpose of our virtual learning environment is to enhance your learning experience by providing an easy to use destination where you can: communicate with your tutor submit work and get feedback access a range of resources continue training day discussions arrange teaching observations / upload video observations deal with any course admin

3. Logging in In the next two days you will receive an email which will include your VLE password. On your first login you will need to change the password to something you can easily remember.

4. Your Dashboard Your Dashboard is the first thing you see once you login and keeps you up to date on your latest: Feedback responses Observations Forum replies Released resources From here you can go everywhere else....

5. Feedback and Observations This section displays all of your feedback and arrangements for forthcoming observations and subsequent feedback From this screen you can: Start a new feedback thread Upload a video observation Read and reply to the feedback you have been given View proposed observation dates and interact with your tutor / observer to organise future observation

6. Resources This section displays all general (available to everyone) and training day specific resources that have been released to your DTLLS group. From here you can: Use the right hand menu to search for resources on a specific topic View a list of available resources Click on the title of the resource to download and save to your computer

7. The Forum This is the place where you can interact with your fellow students. You can: Start new conversation threads Join in with other open threads Upload documents and files that are relevant to that conversation

8. My Account This is the part of the site where you are able to: Change your password Change your email address In the near future you will also be able to add and edit your profile

9. Beta Mode This VLE system is new to Joan Patterson Associates and we expect to find a few little gremlins. If you come across anything that doesn't seem to work or you would like to suggest a new functionality please get in touch: karen@joanpattersonassociates.com 01298 213511 or use the VLE