This document defines and discusses virtual learning environments (VLEs). It begins by defining a VLE as a collection of software tools that support online academic administration, teaching, and research. Examples of popular VLE platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, and Google Classroom are provided. The document then discusses key functional components of VLEs, including using them for information distribution, delivering course content, facilitating communication, performing assessments, and managing students and courses. Advantages like flexibility and cost savings are outlined, alongside potential disadvantages like lack of attention or human contact. Suggestions for overcoming limitations, like incorporating more interactive elements, are provided.

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