Virtual learning enviroment

What is Virtual learning environment?

“A virtual learning environment is a collection of integrated tools enabling the management of online learning, providing a delivery mechanism, student tracking, assessment and access to resources its more commonly known as a VLE it is a computer program that facilitates computerized learning or e-learning. A more correct term may be a virtual environment for learning, rather than virtual learning environment. A student will normally work over the Internet and a VLE provides a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces. VLEs are often used in schools and other educational establishments in order to make the learning experience more interactive and with the technology of today all in done via the internet. With the modern technology increasing everyday programs like VLE are beginning designed to make it easier for students and teachers. I believe that VLE’s are a great learning tool, Their interactive easy to use. Work is easily set by teachers. An example of a VLE I use is frog the program is easy to use. Work is easily accessible, I believe that frog has developed my learning. There are resources on frog such as revision notes submitted by teachers that is really useful.

What can we do with Virtual learning environment?

Using a virtual learning environment allows us to do a wide range of different function, the key aspect of using a virtual learning environment is for handing work set by teachers and also if for an circumstances we are not in teachers can set us work via are virtual learning environment. For my virtual learning environment frog has a variety of different functions including I can access my timetable using frog therefore so if I forget my journal I can still access my timetable using frog. In addition, using frog I can also look at my set work by teachers.

Using frog I can access my school work from home, I believe this is the key aspect of why a virtual learning environment is so good for students. Furthermore, frog allows users to access videos. Therefore any important videos that are educational for students can be accessed through frog.

Advantages of using VLE

Frog has a various advantages these advantages include,The accessibility of the course is improved for students with special needs, and for distance learning and part time students. It can also make a difference to students in any category who learn best by being able to watch a video, or by interacting in a virtual environment instead of in the classroom, or by repeating their learning process at their own pace. Frog can also be used for revision purposes therefore it is a good source of revision material. Frogs special features allow for it to include disability and special needs some of the features that frog does for the disabled/special needs are its available in variety of formats/customisable. There is also no need to take notes (NB auditory impairment will require script or subtitles for video elements) this evidently shows that frog can be used for everyone. Frog is self directed/paced.  Frog can be described as a personalised study area. It also allows student to feel part of a learning community. The areas in which this is most effective are assessment and bulletin boards.

Disadvantages of using VLE

Although frog does have its disadvantages it can be difficult to change/update (unless you have an accompanying content management system) to use frog you need access to a PC.  It can also be hard to take account of whatever hardware the students have to work with off school premises. Using frog can impact on reducing face to face contact which some students need face to face contact to help if stuck on work. My personal experience using frog I found it hard when work was set via VLE it was hard to understand what work has been set.