Academic: VLEs
Universities
are increasingly opening up to the possibilities of 'Virtual Learning
Environments', sometimes used alongside MLEs (Managed Learning Environments).
VLEs are currently being used more (and more
effectively) by new universities (post 1992). Older, more 'traditional' universities
are therefore feeling the need to 'keep up', and are also beginning to invest
in this technology. The concept of the VLE is still relatively new, and some
institutions are currently only using them on a trial / pilot scheme basis.
Most VLEs are currently supported by purpose built software such as BlackBoard
and WebCT. Microsoft also enables VLEs to be set up through MS Exchange.
Benefits
- Widens access to the course:
students can learn from wherever they are and numbers do not have to be
limited.
- Can be more cost effective.
- Provides access to more
information, and allows students to use their own initiative to find it.
- Simply a 'different' way of
learning, which some students enjoy.
- Students imbibe extra computer
skills that may prove useful generally.
- Students can study whenever
and wherever they want to.
Problems
- Students miss out on the
benefits of face-to-face interaction and the knowledge sharing that can
arise from this.
- Students find that the system
is not sufficiently supported, and have difficulty using it.*
- Computer systems can be prone
to technical difficulties. Failure of server, client or connection can
mean the students are unable to study.*
- Students are not motivated to
study alone.
- Student are 'tempted' away
from studying when they connect to the Internet. It is too easy to surf
instead of study.
- Less technology-savvy students
may not perform as well as they would do in a traditional class.*
- There are potential health risks associated with excessive computer usage. https://elearningindustry.com/top-50-most-popular-elearning-industry-articles-2017
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