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Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) have vastly changed the way we learn in today's modern society. They've become platforms for educators to deliver high-quality learning resources and for learners to access and engage with the content.
However, many people new to digital education know little about these Virtual Learning Environments (often referred to as Learning Management Systems (LMS)) or understand their role in modern education, their key features, or how they benefit educators and learners alike.
This article will explain what makes Virtual Learning Environments effective and how they differ from traditional learning methods. It will also answer the following question: What does VLE stand for, and explore the VLE meaning.
Virtual Learning Environments are online systems supporting teaching, learning, and training.
The digital learning concept emerged in the 1960s after the first televised college credit classes, which occurred at the dawn of television. Early systems like PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations) and the TUTOR programming language paved the way for computer-based education.
With the rise of the Internet in the 1990s, Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) started gaining popularity in education. Today, Virtual Learning Environments are essential for supporting academic and professional development. Popular Virtual Learning Environments like the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment have become platforms for educators to deliver high-quality learning resources and for learners to access and engage with the content.
Compared to traditional learning approaches relying on physical classrooms and printed materials, VLEs are accessible and structured digital spaces that allow students to interact and engage more effectively in the course.
To understand how they modernise education and professional training, let's explore the core features of VLE.
Virtual Learning Environments have a well-structured content management system that centralises all resources into one accessible hub.
With this management system, you can:
Virtual Learning Environments use interactive learning tools to keep you engaged and actively involved in the course.
Some of the typical interactive features you'll encounter in VLE include:
Virtual Learning Environments provide various communication tools that make interaction with peers and instructors seamless and meaningful. Some of the essential communication features you can use include:
Virtual Learning Environments also provide you with insightful progress tracking and performance measurement tools. These tools provide real-time access to your learning performance and help you stay on top of your studies.
With performance tracking features, learners can:
Virtual Learning Environments come in different formats to accommodate various learning styles and needs. While all VLES have digital tools to improve learning, they differ in delivering content and managing interactions.
Let's explore the three types of VLE below: Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Hybrid.
Synchronous Virtual Learning Environment lets you and your instructors interact in real-time. Through video conferencing and collaborative tools, real-time teaching and discussions can happen even in a digital setting. This lets you engage in live lessons and activities like a physical classroom.
As the term implies, an asynchronous Virtual Learning Environment doesn't require real-time interaction with the class. Since you're not required to follow fixed schedules, you can access course materials, complete assignments, and participate in discussions at your own pace.
A Hybrid VLE combines some aspects of synchronous and asynchronous learning. In this model, some parts of the course, like lectures, will be delivered live, while other course materials, like models, are accessible for self-paced studies. From this setup, you can benefit from a mix of live and flexible options that meet your study needs and preferences.
Virtual Learning Environments have redefined education and training through interactive tools and digital solutions. Their various digital resources help improve academic and professional training.
Let's explore some benefits of using a Virtual Learning Environment further.
Remote learning has become increasingly important in delivering courses and professional training, and Virtual Learning Environments play a significant role.
Virtual Learning Environments allow you to study without being tied to a physical classroom. With a computer or mobile device, you can easily access course materials, join discussions, and complete assignments from anywhere. This kind of learning setup paves the way for a more accessible, flexible, inclusive, and relatively affordable learning environment than traditional classrooms.
Virtual Learning Environments have made learning more accessible than ever. You can access your learning materials anytime and anywhere, and choose which models fit your preferred learning style and needs so you can study effectively and comfortably.
Learning is also more inclusive since Virtual Learning Environments break geographical barriers. Since VLEs don't require physical attendance, learners from different locations can participate in the same programme.
Learning with Virtual Learning Environments is also more personalised than traditional learning setups. These VLEs can provide various learning formats, so you can choose one that best fits your learning style.
Additionally, Virtual Learning Environments employ real-time feedback and adjust the course content based on your progress. With this adaptive learning, you can focus on the areas you struggle with the most.
Virtual Learning Environments grow as your learning progresses.
Most VLEs can accommodate more learners within the programme without compromising the quality of education. They can also add more courses, subjects, modules, and learning materials to the platform as your curriculum expands. This supports your continuous learning even as the class size grows.
Pursuing education or professional training may require paying for tuition, textbooks, commuting fares, and accommodation, among other expenses. These costs can quickly add up, which can be expensive for many learners.
Virtual Learning Environments make education affordable by including all learning resources, interactive tools, and instructor support in one platform. This lets you access everything in one place instead of paying for separate learning materials and resources. Also, by making learning digital, you save money that you would otherwise spend on commuting or accommodation.
Virtual Learning Environments make education and professional development flexible and accessible to learners across various sectors. Each sector uses VLEs to support learners' academic pursuits, career advancements, or upskilling.
Let's explore how Virtual Learning Environments are being used in different sectors.
Virtual Learning Environments are organised digital spaces used by schools, colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions to store and access students' coursework, assignments, and learning materials. They also have interactive elements, resources, and course content to keep learners interested and engaged with the lessons.
Major universities throughout the UK have started implementing Virtual Learning Environments in their education frameworks. For example, the University of Manchester uses Blackboard (now Anthology) to give students access to modules, programmes, and learning materials. The University of Oxford uses Canvas because it is compatible with other third-party apps.
Virtual Learning Environments are also used in corporate workplaces to effectively deliver essential training. Many companies are now using VLEs to train employees online/remotely. This setup streamlines the training process as you don't need to travel through training centres or physically attend workshops. Some big companies that use VLEs are Amazon, Zoom, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com.
In the case of e-Careers and other Training Providers, VLEs are used to teach online courses for industry-recognised certifications, providing aspiring professionals with a structured and accessible platform that serves as an all-in-one hub for their course materials.
We offer an industry-leading eLearning platform if you're considering pursuing a professional qualification. Our eLearning provides you with everything you need to advance your career. You'll receive one of the best training courses to help prepare for your exams from accredited learning materials, comprehensive resources, personalised Tutor support, and more.
Virtual Learning Environments are continuously improving and evolving. As the world rapidly adapts to digital education, new technologies are being introduced to enhance the platform's accessibility, flexibility, and interactivity further.
As such, let's explore future trends we'll likely see implemented in VLEs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has improved other technological advancements, so, unsurprisingly, it can also enhance Virtual Learning Environments. One systematic literature review in 2024 reveals that AI can now customise student learning. AI-powered Virtual Learning Classrooms provide personalised content recommendations to help you work on areas of improvement, making learning in Virtual Learning Environments more adaptive and bespoke.
AI-powered chatbots can also assist you in answering questions or guiding them in your studies. They also help automate grading assessments so you can receive instant feedback and insights.
Gamification incorporates game-like elements into learning to make it engaging and interactive. Game elements like badges, leaderboards, progress tracking, challenges, and more can make learning as rewarding as possible. This approach also boosts motivation, encourages participation and makes the learning process feel less like a chore.
Duolingo is one of the companies that heavily uses gamification in its education framework. It uses game elements like experience points, levels, leaderboards, and tier rankings to make language learning engaging and rewarding. The company's interface is also playful, colourful, and vivid to create a sense of fun and excitement.
Adaptive learning is a rising educational technology that uses data to create custom learning paths and experiences. This method uses analytics to recommend lessons that best fit your learning needs. So, instead of following a rigid curriculum, you'll go through a bespoke learning path based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Microlearning delivers content in short formats instead of long lectures or extended formats. This approach breaks down the course into digestible segments that are easier to complete.
Additionally, microlearning is ideal for on-the-go learning as it's typically developed for smartphones and tablets. This trend can benefit busy professionals and learners who prefer bite-sized learning experiences. One LinkedIn post states it "allows employees to fold learning into the flow of their everyday work."
Virtual Learning Environments also come with challenges despite their numerous benefits to your learning journey. Understanding these challenges is essential in overcoming them and maximising VLEs. As such, here are some challenges you might face when using VLEs.
Virtual Learning Environments rely on various software, tools, and platforms, and while interfaces are intuitive, they can still present a steep learning curve for many learners. After all, not all learners have the same digital literacy to adapt to the technology. This technical barrier could disrupt students' learning flow and engagement.
A stable internet connection is essential when using Virtual Learning Environments. However, not all learners have access to a fast internet connection. You may experience repeated disruptions in your online learning without a stable connection.
Poor connectivity can cause video lectures and live sessions to buffer or disconnect. It can also result in slow loading times and reduced platform functionality. The worst is when a sudden disconnection can cause a loss of progress on assignments or tests.
Spending long hours on a screen can impact your well-being. Prolonged screen exposure often leads to eye strain and back pain, especially when proper posture and screen breaks are ignored. Extended screen time can also lead to mental fatigue and exhaustion over time. Additionally, the absence of direct interaction with an Instructor or peers can make learning feel isolating.
Virtual Learning Environments mainly rely on digital communication to convey messages, and because this setup lacks face-to-face interactions, some conversations can feel impersonal. You may also struggle with confusing messages, unclear instructions, or delayed responses. And if the platform serves a global audience, language barriers can add to any challenges you'll face with the setup.
Students can lose interest and struggle to stay motivated if a Virtual Learning Environment lacks interactive elements, engaging content, or varied learning formats. Without these variations and learning options, learning will feel like a repetitive task rather than an engaging experience.
On the other hand, educators may also fail to fully exploit the VLE's interactive features. Sticking to a text-heavy learning approach is uninspiring and can create a passive learning experience.
Technical concerns or internet disconnection aren't the only things that can disrupt learning. There are many sources of disruptions that can interfere with your studies. Household noises, social interruptions, and even multitasking are common sources that reduce your focus. Without the structured environment, you'll get in a traditional setting, you'll constantly have distractions that will break your concentration.
There are many Virtual Learning Environment platforms available in the market. Each one offers unique features and caters to educators and learners with varying needs.
Below is a table that showcases some of the leading VLE platforms.
| Features | Anthology (Blackboard) | Canvas | Moodle | Edmodo | Docebo |
| Best for | Schools and professional training | Schools and businesses | Schools and professional training | Schools | Corporate training and skills development |
| Ease of use | Complex interface | User-friendly and intuitive | Simple interface | Great for beginners | Business-focused interface |
| Customisation | Limited customisations | Limited customisations | Fully customisable and open-sourced | Minimal customisations | Moderate customisation |
| Collaboration tools | Live classes, discussion boards, and instant messaging | Group discussions, real-time chat, video conferencing | Forums and instant messaging | Social learning features and teacher-student interaction | Corporate networking and knowledge-sharing tools |
| Compatibility | Integrates with third-party tools and LMS | Integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 | Open-sourced that supports various plugins and extensions | Compatible with educational apps and LMS | Integrates with CRMs, and HR systems |
| Scalability | Scales well for universities and large institutions | Suitable for educational institutions and businesses | Adaptable for institutions of any size | Ideal for small groups and schools | Designed for corporate expansion and workforce training |
| Mobile Access | Has mobile-friendly app | Fully responsive interface | Has mobile app | Has mobile-friendly app | Has mobile-friendly app |
| Pricing | Paid platform with various plans for institutions | Subscription-based and pays per institution | Free (self-hosted), paid plans for MoodleCloud | Free for basic use, paid for additional features | Premium pricing |
A well-chosen Virtual Learning Environment can enhance your learning experience and help you perform better in your studies. To find the right Virtual Learning Environment for you, it should align with your learning style, technical requirements, and long-term objectives.
With so many factors to consider, how do you determine which VLE suits you best? Which features should you prioritise?If you're unsure where to start, here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right VLE for your needs.
Choosing a suitable VLE starts with defining your learning goals. Understanding what you need from a VLE will help you find a platform that meets your expectations. With many factors to consider, identifying your priorities filters the options down to a VLE that caters to your needs.
VLE platforms have different pricing models ranging from free options to premium subscriptions. Some offer essential features for free, while others require payment for advanced e-learning tools and integrations. That's why you should compare pricing structures for all your VLE options and determine what you can afford with your budget.
Not all Virtual Learning Environments are the same. As we already covered the leading VLE platforms above, you'll notice that each one varies in functionality and the type of learners it caters to. Moreover, some Virtual Learning Environments will have more features than others, while others will have functionalities that cater to specific needs.
Depending on your learning needs, choosing a VLE with the right tools can improve your learning experience. That's why checking whether the VLE provides features that align with your needs is important.
If you use other tools for your study or professional development, ensure your VLE integrates smoothly. Some VLEs offer better compatibility with third-party apps, LMS tools, or enterprise systems, which is something to consider if you need this feature.
A Virtual Learning Environment is a digital platform that facilitates learning and improves learner-instructor interactions. It is a game-changer in making education more accessible, structured, and engaging for students, corporate employees, and aspiring professionals.
With VLEs, you can access course materials anytime and anywhere, track your progress, and exchange real-time information with instructors and peers. They also provide personalised learning pathways and gamification elements to make learning as rewarding and engaging as possible.
If you want to adapt to modern learning methods, we provide training courses to help you develop skills and advance your career. We offer professional training delivered in virtual classrooms or via online eLearning tools so you can study in a format that works for you.
For more information about our professional training courses, call us at +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or email us at ask@e-careers.com to speak with our Course Consultants.
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