Projects

The Virtual Learning Environment Project

This is the homepage of the Virtual Learning Environment Project. This page describes the aims of the project, explains what resources have been developed and provides links to them.

Aims of the project
The Virtual Learning Environment project is investigating the ways that the virtual learning environment (VLE) is used within higher education. The Learning Technology Support team (LTS) is increasingly being asked to provide examples of how VLE courses are being used. Colleagues are concerned with how VLEs can provide generic academic support as well as subject specific learning. This project aims to provide that information.

What is a Virtual Learning Environment?
A VLE is a collection of online tools or resources, designed to support learning and teaching activities. Courses begin as 'empty shells' into which tutors can produce and develop appropriate content and learning activities, with a minimum of technological knowledge. VLEs are Web-based so can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection; courses are usually password protected. More information about VLEs can be obtained through a guide produced by the Higher Education Academy (previously Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN)) Generic Centre. Alternatively, information about the University's VLE, WebCT Campus, can be accessed via the Learning Technology Support team's web pages.

Generic learning and teaching activities
One of the aims of this project is to suggest ways that VLEs can be used to support generic learning and teaching activities. These activities have been identified and briefly described. An example of how the activity could be performed within a VLE is then given.

Use this link to go to the generic learning and teaching activities area

Subject specific skills and knowledge
It is often useful to discover how VLEs have been used to support specific disciplinary skills and knowledge development. This part of the project directs users towards examples of how other higher education institutions and education providers have developed resources within specific disciplines. Keywords are also included as a quick reference guide for users interested in the specific learning and teaching aspects of an example.

Use this link to go to the subject specific skills and knowledge area

WebCT Campus case studies from the University of Gloucestershire
Various tutors have documented their experience of using WebCT Campus for their modules. The case studies include descriptions of e-learning activities as well as student perceptions and evaluative comments.

Use this link to go to the case studies page

For further information about any of these systems please contact Learning Technology Support at lts@glos.ac.uk or telephone (01242) 714440.