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Virtual Learning Environments

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are Internet-based areas that are designed for, or are harnessed for, connecting a person/people around a specific topic with the goal to both teach them about that topic and give them opportunities for interaction related to that topic. VLEs are about more than just sharing information on a subject. For example, a website is not a VLE because although it is designed to share information, it rarely provides both opportunities to interact with others and materials for the purposes of learning more about a particular topic. There are some instances where websites may function as de facto VLEs: People interact and share information asynchronously via the comments section, or people provide responses to material presented on the web page. However, those exchanges are usually not a part of the design, intent, or use of web pages, so these do not usually constitute VLEs. Although there are numerous types of VLEs, such as games, virtual worlds, and other spaces, this entry provides an overview of three VLEs often used in higher education: (1) traditional learning management systems, (2) nontraditional learning management systems, and (3) massive open online courses (MOOCs).

Traditional Learning Management Systems

Traditional learning management systems in higher education include Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle. These VLEs are designed as such and are often adopted institution-wide, particularly in the case of Blackboard. Because Canvas and Moodle are open systems, meaning users do not need a contract to access them, they can be adopted on a user-by-user basis for free. However, institutional partnerships, even with open systems, can result in greater access to data storage and additional features. Even when users choose to pay for upgraded access to components open systems provide, they may not receive institutional support for technology problems because the VLE has not been adopted institution-wide.

Structurally, these traditional VLEs function similarly. Instructors can input content to scaffold a learning experience around a particular course or topic, and students/participants can interact with each other, the instructor, and the course material in order to learn more about the topic area or focus of the course. The spaces for interaction often include discussion boards, blogs, and group areas that are directly connected to the learning management system. These VLEs are intentionally designed to facilitate a learning experience through interaction with materials, instructors, and others in the VLE.

Nontraditional Learning Management Systems

Nontraditional learning management systems are VLEs that either deviate from the traditional learning management system design or were not designed as VLEs but have since been repurposed as VLEs. Google Classroom is a nontraditional learning management system, and this VLE has been used primarily in K–12 settings, with growing use in college and university classrooms. Those who already have a Google e-mail account may access Google Classroom via the apps section. Social media outlets, such as blogs and Twitter, are not learning management systems per se, but they have been used quite often for courses in higher education, which is why they are listed in the nontraditional learning management system category and can be considered VLEs.

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