Learning Platforms

Following the exploration of functionality 'around' the VLE, the functionality within the VLE began to be seen by some as too limited and restrictive. The rise of social media suggested that an alternative could be constructed out of various existing web tools by individual teachers and learners. The PLE discussion captured that idea and pros, cons and models are still vigorously examined.

But the VLE is still there, proving that it has a clear role in most educational institutions.

The resulting tension between the role of the VLE as a common tool for the organisation on the one hand, and the desire to make it permeable to the wider web on the other is leading to the emergence of a number of hybrid architectures.

Such distributed learning environments range from the traditional VLE, augmented with a selection of widgets, via environments that are entirely composed of widgets to learning environments that are effectively widget engines themselves. Other approaches to augment and modify learning environments include plug-ins and the like. The current JISC DVLE (distributed virtual learning environments) Programme is exploring a number of approaches to extending the functionality of VLEs.