Virtual learning environment

Definition

• A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a virtual environment that supports learning by supporting learning activities plus "social presence".

Here is a picture that shows key elements of a virtual learning environment that supports project-based learning: File:Virtual environment activity community.png

Alternative view

• A virtual learning environment is any sort of environment that supports teaching and/or learning with Computer-mediated communication, e.g. a LMS, a C3MS, a Website + Forum.

Schneider, the initial author of this article doesn't like this definition...

Typical architecture of a VLE

Here is definition from Dillenbourg, Schneider & Synteta (1993)

• A virtual learning environment is a designed information space.
• A virtual learning environment is a social space: educational interactions occur in the environment, turning spaces into places.
• The virtual space is explicitly represented: the representation of this information/social space can vary from text to 3D immersive worlds.
• Students are not only active, but also actors: they co-construct the virtual space.
• Virtual learning environments are not restricted to distance education: they also enrich classroom activities.
• Virtual learning environments integrate heterogeneous technologies and multiple pedagogical approaches.
• Most virtual environments overlap with physical environments.

Learning within a community

"Virtual learning environments" can be a tool for collaborative learning.

• members of a community tend to make better progress (peer intellectual & emotional help and mutual stimulation)

some goals can\u2019t be reached alone (distributed cognition) a group can develop special language and practice adapted to specific problems

• knowledge through enculturation (collective memory)
• cognition is tied to experience (grounded)
• communities can extend beyond formal groups of learners
• a lot of learning is informal
• good communities are knowledge management awarey