Virtual Learning Environment

What is a VLE? A Virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to facilitate teachers in the management of educational courses for their students, especially by helping teachers and learners with course administration.softwareteachers The system can often track the learners' progress, which can be monitored by both teachers and learners. While often thought of as primarily tools for distance education, they are most often used to supplement the face-to-face classroom. A Virtual Learning Environment can deliver a range of learning contexts from conventional classroom delivery to on-line distance learning. These are made available to students as internet pages. VLE Examples: Blackboard Moodle Sakai Source: Wikipedia

What is Moodle? The word Moodle was originally an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, which is mostly useful to programmers and education theorists. It's also a verb that describes the process of lazily meandering through something, doing things as it occurs to you to do them, an enjoyable tinkering that often leads to insight and creativity. As such it applies both to the way Moodle was developed, and to the way a student or teacher might approach studying or teaching an online course. Anyone who uses Moodle is a Moodler. Moodle is the VLE the SSATC has chosen to use.

Moodle users Worldwide…

SSATC VLE Moodle – Open Source meaning it’s free Home access – students can access the colleges VLE anywhere or anytime Level of users Administrators Teachers Students Guests Uploading and Downloading – 24Mb limit – makes sure that resources can be accessed from home or locations with varying Internet speeds easily VLE is password protected and “keys” allow users to access areas to relevant data

What should go on the VLE? The syllabus for the course Administrative information including the location of sessions, details of pre- requisites and co-requisites, credit information, and how to get help A notice board for up-to-date course information Basic teaching materials. These may be the complete content of the course, if the VLE is being used in a distance learning context, or copies of visual aids used in lectures or other classes where it is being used to support a campus-based course. Additional resources, including reading materials, and links to outside resources in libraries and on the Internet. Self-assessment quizzes which can be scored automatically Formal assessment procedures Electronic communication support including , threaded discussions and a chat room, with or without a moderator Differential for instructors and students access rights

Why use a VLE? CLC’s VLE allows access to… Course Information Controlled access to curriculum resources Online tutor support Peer group support Discussion boards supporting threaded discussions Student access to content and communications beyond the college. Environmental awareness – save paper and printing – students can save resources directly to their hard drive or pen drive.

For a successful VLE site, you must Log on regularly Keep the setup simple Resources that are fit for purpose

Benefits for Students Students take control of their own learning; the VLE promotes self-directed learning. Around the clock access to course material. Different learning styles can be supported Students become actively engaged with the learning material. Direct access to more relevant and up-to-date information. Students increase their use of ICT. Opportunities for collaborative group work. Improved communications with course tutors and teaching assistants If a student is ill or unable to attend the class, they can access course resources from home / library if they have an Internet connection.

Benefits for employers and work placements An account set up for work placement students allows employers to communicate with tutors, to discuss student’s progress or to follow the course contents and timetable. Employers can actively participate in supporting students with their studies.