Virtual Learning Environment

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a software system developed to facilitate teachers in the management of higher educational courses. To put it simply it is a virtual environment for learning where only the environment is ?virtual? and the learning is like any other classroom education. Also known as the Moodle Learning Management System, it contains a navigation menu and icons thereby allowing access to automated tools and content pages. A tool in the distance education program, it is often supplemented with classroom teaching.

Many VLEs are placed on a web server. A VLE might use PHP as its web language/program, with MySQL as a database. These systems usually run on servers and the course is shown through internet pages to the students. Templates for content pages, discussion forums, chat, quizzes and exercises with multiple-choices are all part of such a system. New features in these systems include blogs and RSS. Services generally provided include access control, provision of e-learning content, communication tools and administration of the user groups. The on-demand e-learning service is a free open source and is fast becoming popular as it can be deployed in minutes and does not require instructors and institutions to run its own servers.

Such computer programs that facilitate computerised learning or e-learning are also sometimes called Learning Management System (LMS), Course Management System (CMS), Learning Content Management System (LCMS), Managed Learning Environment (MLE), Learning Support System (LSS) or Learning Platform (LP). It is also referred to as education via computer-mediated communication (CMC) or Online Education program.

Both MLE and VLE are used in conjunction to signify a learning platform as used in the school sector. It describes a broad range of ICT systems used to deliver and support learning as well as to enable more effective ways of working in and outside the classroom.

A VLE allows the students access to all the components required in the course of education through a single intuitive interface. Moreover, a VLE always makes extensive use of computers and the Internet.

The course would typically include:

• Information on the location of sessions, details of pre-requisites and co-requisites, credit information etc.
• A notice board on the latest course information
• Student registration, tracking facilities and payment options
• Basic teaching materials
• Additional resources like reading materials, links to outside resources in libraries and on the Internet.
• WebCT Learning Management System with a navigation menu and icons giving access to automated tools and content pages.
• Self-assessment quizzes with automatic scores
• Formal assessment procedures
• Electronic communication support including e-mail, discussions chat room facilitates
• Differential access rights for instructors and students