VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

VIRTUAL  LEARNING  ENVIRONMENT

A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance a student's learning experience by including computers and the Internet in the learning process. The principal components of a VLE package include curriculum mapping (breaking curriculum into sections that can be assigned and assessed), student tracking, online support for both teacher and student, electronic communication (e-mail, threaded discussions, chat, Web publishing), and Internet links to outside curriculum resources. In general, VLE users are assigned either a teacher ID or a student ID. The teacher sees what a students sees, but the teacher has additional user rights to create or modify curriculum content and track student performance. There are a number of commercial VLE software packages available, including Blackboard, WebCT, Lotus LearningSpace, and COSE.

Advantages of a Virtual Learning Environment

• ACCESSIBLE – virtual learning is accessible to anyone who has a computer, tablet or smartphone.
• LOCATION – you can take part in an online course from any location where you can get a Wi-Fi signal.
• FLEXIBLE – virtual learning can usually take place at a time that is convenient for the student. There is no longer any need to be in a classroom at a specific time on a specific day.
• AFFORDABLE – because you can learn from the comfort of your own home it means that there are no travel costs involved in virtual learning.
• CONVENIENT – you can study at your own convenience which makes this type of learning preferable for those with young families, those with full time jobs and those who have other responsibilities that require input at specific times or places.

Disadvantages of a Virtual Learning Environment

• SELF-DISCIPLINE – it’s essential that you have the motivation necessary to sit and do the course. This type of learning is more difficult for those who are prone to procrastination.
• IMPERSONAL – because there is no actual human communication involved, the virtual environment can feel a little lonely.
• ISOLATION – there are no other students with whom to discuss the course so the type of classroom discussions that can lead to understanding of the subject do not happen.
• SOLO LEARNING – if you need clarification on a topic, it’s not instantly available as it would be if a teacher were present whom you could ask. You can still ask for clarification in a virtual learning situation, but the answer may be delayed due to online availability of the person who could answer your question.
• TECHNOLOGY ISSUES – Technology problems are always frustrating, but if they take place when you’re in the middle of attending a virtual class, they can be extremely disruptive. A virtual classroom is only as good as the technology behind it. If the learning software doesn’t work well with your computer, or your Internet connection fails in the midst of a lesson, you may end up spending more time working with the software or repairing your connection than learning the material.