VLE is an abbreviation for “Virtual Learning Environment”. A virtual learning environment is a web-based software that houses and manages learning material, typically across the education sector.
Alternative names
There are many different names or terms used for a VLE, some organisations call it a Learning Management System or Platform or LMS for short, and some call it a Course Management System (CMS), or an Online Learning System.
What it does
A VLE is a key component of any educational organisation, as this is where online learning is stored. Students and teachers create personal profiles to log in to and access the learning material via their computer/laptop or mobile device.
As well as housing learning content, the VLE will manage each student’s learning records, track completed modules and highlight outstanding modules. In addition to core learning, VLEs offer extra online learning modules for students to upskill and further their education.
A VLE offers a secure platform for educators to create lesson plans, administrate curriculums, issue assessments and communicate with students. It also grants educators visibility of each student’s engagement, to monitor performance and flag any areas of improvement.
Since digital and remote learning have become readily available, features such as videos of face-to-face sessions, tutorials and eLearning modules offer flexibility for students to review and recap any modules.
Most VLEs offer tailored functionalities enabling an organisation to customise features for their needs. Such as videos, images, languages and other settings to enhance the student’s experience.
Different VLEs
There are multiple VLEs available on the market, and although most have the same outcome, some offer slightly different functions. In our experience, the most common VLEs used within the Education sector are Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas and Brightspace.
Who uses
Most organisations have some form of Learning Platform. VLEs can be used for corporate training programmes, and organisations within the Education sector such as Universities, Colleges, Schools and Associations typically work with a tailored VLE.
VLEs can be used to track overall learning output, organisations can extract data for learning performance statistics or ROI.
Roles associated with a VLE
A successful VLE requires input from various professionals, to ensure the system is optimised and managed correctly. Some of the roles associated with managing a VLE include.
VLE Support – To manage and support users accessing the online activities and assessment, whilst handling user queries.
Learning Technologist – Efficiently upload the learning content to the VLE, while developing and maintaining innovative solutions for the technology-enhanced learning.
Back-End Developer – Configure everything technical behind the scenes, to ensure the VLE is functional and accessible.
Trainers – Training staff host workshops to introduce staff to the learning system.
Virtual Learning Environments are a fantastic way for organisations to keep educational settings on track and manage a wide range of learning, outputs and data to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation. Data extracted from a VLE can even be used for strategic planning.
If you are looking to hire a VLE expert, or need help improving your VLE – get in touch today!
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