Hart - Some insights into choosing a Platform for a Virtual Learning Environment

This report takes a introductory look at on the trend toward more Internet enabled course delivery, with particular reference to the Higher Education market. It considers some common teaching and learning paradigms and some of the theory of Constructivist Learning and relates this to learning that is facilitated by Internet delivery within the context of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). A VLE is considered as one specialised tool itself may or may not be part of a Managed Learning Environment (MLE). The report identifies some of the strengths and limitations of the VLE and MLE delivery platforms; it also looks at some student responses to on-line learning and the delivery systems. The report’s key conclusions are that:- 1. There is no one “best” VLE/MLE platform. 2. Successful introduction of VLEs requires careful institutional change management, on-going staff training. The report recommends that any institution considering introduction of a V/MLE should establish a project team to manage the process. Such a team should have the mandate of and report directly to the Vice-Chancellor or equivalent officer.

The link address is: http://intra.ultralab.net/%7Egraham/VLE_Paper_505.pdf%20