I had never heard the term ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ before I undertook my e-learning module and I was surprised when I found out that it related to programmes such as Moodle, Blackboard and other VLE platforms. I was familiar with some of these platforms and it was with enthusiasm that I wanted to find out more. A VLE is a platform that supports learning, incorporating technologies and hosting resources. My main task for this module was to create an ePortfolio of innovative ideas presented in a virtual learning environment using supporting resources for progressive learning for my specialist subject.
I decided to create and design a VLE using Google sites as stipulated by the module specifications. The VLE is designed for my second year students who are undertaking a Graphic Design degree. The students are presently working on a Design Technologies module and it is this module that I have based my VLE on. The VLE is used to deliver technology-enhanced learning, teaching and assessment and integrates a number of features including access to electronic documents, assessment, and collaboration and communication tools for the module.
I feel using a VLE platform to support learning enhances the student experience of learning and makes the learning student-led rather than tutor-led. The student is in more control of their learning and can set the learning to their own pace.
The Design Technologies VLE has all the information the student needs to complete the module. If any questions are raised they can easily get in contact with the tutor or ideally raise a topic in the Forum. The home page has a brief explanation of what the site is about. It has a timeline that shows the student the main tasks for the module, assessment criteria and the deadline dates. A mindmap created by bubbl.us displays the course information and what topics are covered. Bubbl.us is a free online application, it is very easy to use and embed into a page.
There is a navigation bar to the left of the main content; all the pages are displayed to make navigating the site easy and quick. The course rationale and module aims are accessible via the ‘course’ link.
Within the Rresources page there is an embedded Youtube video to engage the student. This video re-enforces why Wordpress is one of the best platforms to build a website. Youtube is definitely a resource I use as I have found that it is a helpful and informative resource that engages my students. Students can access the video from anywhere and watch it on any mobile device. This free visual resource supports and enhances the learning. There are also weblinks to pages that can support my students in the module. I have added a comments area at the bottom of the resource page to encourage student engagement and sharing of information. They can post resources that they have found helpful so that their peers can have access to. This really encourages the students to interact with the VLE.
On the Assignment page displays information of the main task, the work required and the learning outcomes. I have embedded an electronic Google calendar here to show the students when the deadline is due for each element of the module. A Google calendar is a time-management web application that is easy to use and embed on a website. The students can view the calendar in different formats to access the deadline dates.
The Work page uses a number of electronic resources to support and enhance the learning. I have used Google Sheets via Google Drive to host the registration. The students can easily access this and register for the task. This is quick and easy to use. Once this is done they can access the Youtube video that is embedded in the page. The students are then encouraged to use Google Groups to discuss and evaluate the video choosing a team member to feedback the results. Using this online resource in this way engages the students and gets them working as a group. Another electronic resource used within the tasks is the use of a digital podcast. This is something the student has to listen to. This is an ideal way to encourage the student to engage in the lesson. It is something that they have to listen and once this is done they are then assessed using an application questionnaire called Socrative. This online resource is free to use and is an ideal way in which to assess the student. The tutor can assess and evaluate the learning through this medium. As this is all automated and you can define different results this is time saving for a tutor to use. There are a number of applications that you can use to gauge the learning however I found that Socrative was a better application than something like Kahoot as this application was slightly childish in its makeup.
I have use a Blog and News page to show dynamic content. These pages will show latest work and news about the module. The students can subscribe to the rss feed so that they are kept up to date. They can view other students work and be encouraged to submit their own work.
I have created a board on the online application called Pinterest. This is a free online resource that anyone with an account can access. The board denotes anything Wordpress related so has quite a variety of content. This board is used for students to generate ideas from and to get tips from. It has a host of resources and information to access. It is very visual and stimulating. This is something I like using to generate ideas from and is a useful tool to engage students with.
Under the navigation I have used some apps to display the deadline countdown and a recent activity newsreel to show any additions I have made to the site.
Using a VLE and populating it with rich and interactive applications to support my teaching and engage my students is something that I would definitely use in the future. It is important to my continual professional development that I keep up to date with the latest technologies that are being used to support learning. I find that these applications are ideal to use if you know how to use them. The resources need to be professional and applicable to the course I am teaching.
