Virtual learning environment

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Definition

  • A virtual learning environment 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


Learning within a community

  • 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


Alternative view

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