What is a learning What is a learning platform?platform?

What is your definition of a learning What is your definition of a learning platform?platform?

Enter your definitions here:

JISC tell us that:JISC tell us that:

““A learning platform is defined as A learning platform is defined as software, or a combination of different software, or a combination of different

types of software, that sits on, or is types of software, that sits on, or is accessible from, an organisation’s accessible from, an organisation’s

network, and that supports teaching and network, and that supports teaching and learning for practitioners and learners.”learning for practitioners and learners.”

Ferl Practitioners’ProgramFerl Practitioners’Program

Common terms include:Common terms include:

• WebsitesWebsites• Content Management Systems (CMS)Content Management Systems (CMS)• IntranetsIntranets• Shared foldersShared folders• Collaboration tools and conferencing systemsCollaboration tools and conferencing systems• Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)• Managed Learning Environments (MLE)Managed Learning Environments (MLE)• PortalsPortals

The focus of this session will be The focus of this session will be

Virtual Learning EnvironmentsVirtual Learning Environments

Key features of a VLEKey features of a VLE

• Web-based - accessible like any other web pageWeb-based - accessible like any other web page• Password protected - tutors/learners get similar ‘view’Password protected - tutors/learners get similar ‘view’• Course content distributionCourse content distribution• Group communication & collaboration Group communication & collaboration • AssessmentAssessment• Student managementStudent management• CustomisableCustomisable• Extras - blogs/wikis etc.Extras - blogs/wikis etc.

For what have you used a learning For what have you used a learning platform before?platform before?

List here how you have previously used a learning platform:

Different levels of functionality of Different levels of functionality of VLEsVLEs

Making course materials available online

Limited functionality

Complex functionality

Content delivery plus communications, for example, an intranet plus email, bulletin boards, application sharing

Content delivery, communications, learner tracking, management information

Content delivery plus formative assessment,

Offering additional online learning materials

A VLE ‘Model’A VLE ‘Model’•You buy You buy annualannual licence & licence & download softwaredownload software

•Installed on your serverInstalled on your server

•Your administrator Your administrator configures interface and configures interface and user accountsuser accounts

A ‘Hosted’ VLEA ‘Hosted’ VLE• You buy You buy annualannual licence licence

• System remains on System remains on ‘host’server‘host’server

• Your administrator Your administrator configures interface and configures interface and user accountsuser accounts

An ‘Open Source’ VLEAn ‘Open Source’ VLE• You download licence & You download licence &

softwaresoftware

• Installed on your serverInstalled on your server

• Your administrator Your administrator configures interface and configures interface and user accountsuser accounts

‘‘A Home-grown VLE’A Home-grown VLE’• You develop, maintain & You develop, maintain &

support software support software yourself..yourself..

• Installed on your serverInstalled on your server

• Your administrator Your administrator configures interface and configures interface and user accountsuser accounts