Virtual learning environment

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting, as distinct from a Managed Learning Environment, (MLE) where the focus is on management. A VLE will normally work over the Internet and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces.

While originally created for distance education, VLEs are now most often used to supplement traditional face to face classroom activities, commonly known as Blended Learning. These systems usually run on servers, to serve the course to students Multimedia and/or web pages.

In 'Virtually There', a book and DVD pack distributed freely to schools by the Yorkshire and Humber Grid for Learning Foundation (YHGfL), Professor Stephen Heppell writes in the foreword: "Learning is breaking out of the narrow boxes that it was trapped in during the 20th century; teachers' professionalism, reflection and ingenuity are leading learning to places that genuinely excite this new generation of connected young school students - and their teachers too. VLEs are helping to make sure that their learning is not confined to a particular building, or restricted to any single location or moment."

List of some virtual learning environments

Learning management systems
Claroline
Desire2Learn
eFront - An Open-Source web-based Learning Management System
JoomlaLMS - a LMS based on Joomla platform
LAMS - the Learning Activity Management System
SharePointLMS - a LMS based on MS SharePoint
TotalLMS

Course management systems
CCNet
Coggno - e-learning software platform and courseware creation toolkit
Desire2Learn
Pegasus LMS Pearson Publications
Free software and open source
Dokeos
ILIAS
Moodle
Sakai

Virtual learning environment
Blackboard - A family of virtual learning software
CyberExtension - Virtual Managed Learning Environment
Desire2Learn - Desire2Learn eLearning solutions
FirstClass - Messaging and communications solution
Fronter - Norwegian Closed Source System (written in PHP)
Heritage Key – Virtual historical environments, such as Tutankhamun’s tomb.
It's Learning - Norwegian Closed Source System (written in ASP.NET)
WebCT - (Now a part of Blackboard) Software applications designed to enhance teaching and learning
WebTrain - Virtual live classes, enrollment, attendance, attention monitoring

Other descriptions
Apex Learning - K-12 online course service and AP test study
ATutor - LCMS
Dokeos - elearning and course management web application
eCollege - comprehensive eLearning solution
Pass-port - a commercial ePortfolio and assessment system that includes a course management component
Spiral Universe - student information system
Yacapaca - free assessment platform with large repository of User-generated content