Modes of Education

Dialogue Lecture/Instruction Facilitation

Dialogue Small groups of students Sage on the ground Questions & answers Intellectual inquiry

Lecture/Instruction Large groups of students Sage on a stage Mass communication One-way delivery Preparation for work

Facilitation Smaller groups of students Guide by the side Self-study and interaction Preparation of work

Facilitation Model Course material developed by subject-matter experts and assembled by instructional designers Material is organized for self-study Assimilation of material is facilitated by instructors Instructors also promote interaction amongst students to foster learning communities

Advantages for faculty Separation of labor of curricular preparation and instruction More interaction with students Greater opportunity to provide individualized student attention Opportunity for innovation in dynamic instruction

Advantages of Facilitation Model for Administrators Quality of instructional material is consistent from class to class Coverage of curriculum/syllabus is consistent from class to class Reliance on skills of individual faculty members is reduced Potentially a small reduction in the number of faculty members required

VLE

What Are Virtual Learning Environments? A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a standardised, computer-based environment that supports the delivery of web-based learning and facilitates on-line interaction between students and teachers. A VLE might consist of a variety of components designed both to assist in conventional classroom learning as well as support distance learners gaining remote access to course and assessment materials. Functions and activities offered and supported by a VLE might include: -Importing and/or creating course materials -The delivery of course materials -On-line interactions between students and tutors -On-line tracking and assessment of students progress.

VLEs are generally browser-based, providing teachers, students and parents with easy access from any computer with an internet connection. Most browser-based systems are password-protected to offer a secure, closed environment and to prevent unauthorised third-party access. Some products may require additional software such as plug-ins or CD-ROMs on end users computers in order to access digitally-held course materials. Applications such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheet tools may also be required for carrying out on-line class activities or assignments generated via the system. VLEs are often discussed in the context of managed learning environments (MLEs). A VLE is, in fact, an integral part within an MLE, which is itself a system with much broader scope. MLEs include the whole range of an institutions information systems and processes (including its VLE if it has one) and relate more to the totality of an institutions processes and standards, rather than to individual products and tools.

What does a VLE do? The principle functions that the complete VLE needs to deliver are: – Controlled access to curriculum – Tracking student activity and achievement against these elements using simple processes for course administration and student tracking that make it possible for tutors to define and set up a course with accompanying materials and activities to direct, guide and monitor learner progress – Support of on-line learning, including access to learning resources, assessment and guidance. The learning resources may be self- developed, or professionally authored and purchased materials that can be imported and made available for use by learners – Communication between the learner, the tutor and other learning support specialists to provide direct support and feedback for learners, as well as peer-group communications that build a sense of group identity and community of interest – Links to other administrative systems, both inhouse and externally

Types of VLEs CMS – A content management system stores, loads and replays content. It may also enable teachers to organise and sequence this content for delivery to students. Such systems might have the facility to communicate these sequences to other teachers, allowing lesson structures to be used by more than one person. Content management systems do not keep track of students progress. Ideally, a CMS should allow users to import content from a range of different sources.

VLE – A virtual learning environment performs the functions of a CMS but also keeps track of students progress as they work through the learning resources it stores. A VLE can be considered part of a managed learning environment MLE if the data it records on students progress are passed to the college or school management information system (MIS).

MLE – A managed learning environment includes the whole range of an institutions information/content systems and processes, including its MIS and its VLE if it has one) that contribute directly or indirectly to learning and the management of learning.

Benefits General class administration and organisation – The creation of lesson plans using existing resources – Assessment and monitoring of students – Allocation and marking of on-line assignments – Discussion and support with students on line The various interactive tools of VLEs can also support learners with both class work and homework, and can cater for individual learning styles. For example, students can: – Submit and track their assignments on line via a personal home page – Contribute to and participate in discussions with classmates and other schools via the various conferencing tools – Work at their own pace within and out of school. This is particularly beneficial to learners with special educational needs, such as students in hospital or children unable to attend regular classes for health reasons.