TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY AND
AND THE
THE
VIRTUAL
VIRTUAL LEARNING
LEARNING
ENVIRONMENTS
ENVIRONMENTS
Prepared and Presented by; Antonet McKinley
Douglas Francis
Tashika Lewis

Philosophy of Education
Class: 4BOSP
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of the presentation participants will:
• Define the term technology and its importance on education
• Define the term virtual learning environment
• Discuss the benefits and constraints of virtual learning
environments
• Describe the uses of Virtual learning environments
• What is the role of the student, teacher and parents using
Virtual learning environments
• Demonstrate the use of technology in a Jamaican classroom.
• Recommendations of technology and the virtual learning
environments.
 Definition of Virtual
Learning Environments
A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a set of teaching and
learning tools designed to enhance a student's learning
experience by including computers and the Internet in the
learning process. The virtual environment is housed online
and is accessed via the Internet. Virtual Learning
Environments are essential in the 21st Century Learning
classroom where we are trying to get students to connect
globally and learn the skill of collaboration.
 Ways in which Technology
improves Education
• Teachers can collaborate to share their ideas and
resources online: They can communicate with others across
the world in an instant, meet the shortcomings of their work,
refine it and provide their students with the best. This
approach definitely enhances the practice of teaching.

• Students can develop valuable research skills at a young

age: Technology gives students immediate access to an
abundance of quality information which leads to learning at
much quicker rates than before.
 Contd. Ways in which
Technology can improve
•
Education
Students and teachers have access to an expanse of
material: There are plenty of resourceful, credible
websites available on the Internet that both teachers and
students can utilize. The Internet also provides a variety of
knowledge and doesn’t limit students to one person’s opinion.

• Online learning is now an equally credible option: Face-to-

face interaction is huge, especially in the younger years, but
some students work better when they can go at their own
pace. Online education is now accredited and has changed
the way we view education.
 Components of virtual
learning environments
• Mapping of the curriculum into course topics that can be assessed
and recorded;
• Tracking of student activity and achievement within the curriculum
presented online;
• Support of online learning, including access to learning resources,
assessment and guidance;
• Online tutor support;
• Peer group support;
• General communications, including email, group discussion and web
access;
• Links to other systems, both in-house and externally ;
 Why use Virtual Learning
Environments
•   Communication – opens up an infinite number of channels in the format of
forums, discussion threads, polls, surveys – instant feedback either as a
group or individually

•    Producing work – students do not physically have to find their teacher
to hand in work due to secure virtual ‘hand-in’ folders that have time
windows

•    Resource hub – teachers have infinite online storage space for ppts,
docs, worksheets etc. that can either be secure or shared with students

•    Links to outside sources – pathways to all other online learning spaces
are linked via the VLE

•    Podcasts & videos – both teacher- and student-produced podcasts and
videos have a shared platform; again, either secure or shared
 Some benefits of
Virtual Learning
Environments
• It allows students to access ,download resources and links
to videos
• It helps to extend the curriculum beyond the lesson taught
within the classroom.
• It is a tool that encourages students to communicate with
the teacher and other students outside of the classroom.
• Effective use of virtual learning environments creates a
truly differentiated learning environment.
• Virtual learning environments provide extra support for
students needing more instruction while also providing
challenges for the advanced students.
 Characteristics of VLE
• The VLE can run on any operating system
• It should be transparent so it can allow users to keep an eye
on their own and other history of learning process
• It should be easy to access, information should be
presented in different formats.
• It should be understandable words, sentences and
abbreviations used are clear in meaning and can
comprehend
• It is graphical user interface so they are eye appealing to
the students.
 What is needed to use
VLE
• Registered with the institution that
uses VLE
• Create an online account and
password to participate in order to
participate within the environment.
 TERMINOLOGIES
referred to VLE
• E-Learning-(electronic learning) internet based learning,
which includes content delivery in multiple formats with the
use of desktops and laptops.
• M-learning- (mobile learning) is used with the advent of
mobile devices through social and content interactions,
using personal electronic devices.
• Lms- Learning management System
• Mle- Management learning environment
• Lss-learning support system
• Cms- Course management system
• Ils- Integrated learning system
 Examples or Software
Platforms that uses the
VLE
• Moodle-
• Fronter- government institutions
where teachers can share resources
• Blackboard
• Web CT
 Advantages of Virtual
Learning Environment
• Students can study anywhere they have access to a computer and Internet
connection
• Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace
• Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas
at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms
• eLearning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning
through a variety of activities
• Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-
knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take
responsibility for their learning
• Learners can test out of or skim over materials already mastered and
concentrate efforts in mastering areas containing new information and/or
skills
 Disadvantages of Virtual
Learning Environment
• Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students
may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines
• Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates
• Instructor may not always be available when students are studying
or need help
• Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing
course materials frustrating
• Managing computer files and online learning software can
sometimes seem complex for students with beginner-level
computer skills
• Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom
 Roles of the teacher and
the students in VLE
• This is a distinct environment where there is still a teacher
and a student, but the roles are perceived in a different
way than in the traditional classroom. Teacher gives
information to the students however the student have a
much larger responsibility in that way they have to conduct
their own research. The students have to be self-motivated
and studies. On the other hand, the teacher assumes the
role of a mentor, where she gives inputs to the students and
guide them in the research for them to succeed in their
studies.
 Advantages
• Create a communication channel
• Homework can be submitted by email
• The course work and course outline is posted on the
web
• Student can learn at their own paced
• Notes are provided online
• Interactive and educational environment
• Motivates students to search and learn new
information
 Disadvantages
• A student can feel lonely or isolated
because there is no face to face
communication
• A student require access to the internet
and computer
• There can be internet difficulties
• Interactions is not possible between
students where not everyone is logged in
at the same time.
 References
• Pink. D. (2006). A Whole New Mind. New York: Penguin
Group
• Tomlinson. C. (1999). The Differentiated Classroom:
Responding to the Needs of All Learners. Alexandria, VA:
ASCD
• Woolfolk, A. (2010). Educational Psychology (11th ed.). New
York: Pearson Education Inc.
 QUOTES

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