“Virtual Learning Environments” (VLEs) provide an integrated set of tools to support learning.

The name is somewhat unfortunate as it tends to imply the learning (rather than the environment) is somehow virtual or unreal. VLEs are also known as Learning Management Systems, Online Learning Environments, or simply Learning Environments.

The tools provided are likely to include:

• Authenticated access to various sections of the environment (eg courses) on an individual basis.

• An organized and searchable repository of content, together with a streamlined means of managing that content. By streamlined I mean that instructors are able to upload and organize materials through a Web-based interface rather than using technical tools such as FTP.

• A means of tracking who has viewed what. However, beware of placing too much significance on this data, eg if a learner view a page 20 times does it mean s/he finds it very interesting - or very difficult?

• Intelligent access controls, eg timed release of material, release based on test performance.

• Asynchronous and synchronous communication tools, ie bulletin boards, real-time chat rooms, e-mail lists and possibly an internal e-mail system. It is likely there will be a facility for dividing learners into various sub-groups and for making discussions public or private.

• Assessment tools allowing learners to test themselves and for instructors to securely administer summative tests.

• An assignment drop box allowing learners to securely submit assignments. This feature prevents disputes over whether or when a particular assignment was handed in.

VLE vendors and traditional publishers also provide packaged ready-to-use course materials. These materials may contain course content, interactive and multimedia components and assessments.

A related term Managed Learning Environment (MLE) refers to a VLE that is integrated with institutional administration systems, eg as soon as learners enrol on a course they are automatically granted access to course materials within the VLE, or when learners take an online test their grades are automatically fed into their student records.

The two leading commercial VLE producers are WebCT and Blackboard.

See also open source VLEs Moodle, Bodington (in use at the University of Oxford) and LON-CAPA. Not only are these free to use but institutions are actively encourged to extend the source code to provide the functionality they require. Enhancements are then made available to the entire community of users.

Effective Use of VLEs - an online infoKit from the UK JISC which aims to enable tutors to make informed decisions, based on sound educational principles, about the use of technology in their teaching and their students' learning when using a VLE.