Week 4: VLES, MLES and Learning Platforms

If like myself before attending this weeks ICT workshop you are unaware of VLES and MLES, I hope this blog provides a clear definition of each and how they can be used in primary schools.

So what are VLES and MLES?   

They are learning platforms that provide a virtual learning environment and managed learning enviroments. They include an integrated set of interactive online services that provide teachers, learners, parents and others involved in education with information, tools and resources to support and enhance educational delivery and management. They are used in schools as a teaching tool that can assist teachers in lessons from assigning a piece of work to it being a whole topic or course and assist the learning of pupils. JISC (2005) defines VLE as, “a collection of integrated tools enabling the management of online learning, providing a delivery mechanism, student tracking, assessment and access to resources” (JISC, 2005). Many of these include Web 2.0 features to facilitate communication. Some of the components include bookmarking, RSS feeds, podcasts, forums and wikis.

Who can benefit from the use of learning platforms and why?

• Parents can use learning platforms to support children by accessing homework and other resources online. The can access school bulletins and join in on home-school discussions online. In addition, parents can log onto the school website and see targeted notices from staff.
• Learners can access stimulating learning materials and materials online at any time or place before and after school. They can also review and check their targets, aswell as submitting work electronically.
• Teachers can share resources and best practices online across the school. They can alo hold group discussion online and plan and organise lesson content from any online location. In addition, they can access learners data and track any missing homework or coursework online.
• Support staff and administrators can deliever, upload and update personalised lesson plans and have access to these managment systems across the school and at home. In addition, they can contribute to the creation and updating of electronic learning resources or documents.

Some rules to consider when using learning platforms may include:

1. Keep your details safe, so they can be accessed at home and at school.
2. Make sure all posted comments are polite and helpful. 
3. Use appropriate language.
4. When uploading images make sure all images are suitable, pictures of children only in groups with no names added to additional texts. 
5. Make sure all information you put on the platform is suitable to be on a school learning space.Whilst on the platform you use your real name but when using the internet outside of the platform you should use a nickname. 
6. Don't give anyone your personal details, like address or telephone number or arrange to meet up.

http://clc2.uniservity.com/GroupRenderCustomPage.asp?GroupID=167062&ResourceID=2630602.

Schools using a Virtual Learning Environment

There are an increasing number of UK schools making use of VLE. Some examples include

• Brune Park Community College in Hampshire
• King Edward VI Grammar School in Essex
• Marsden Community Primary School in Lancashire
• Our Lady's Catholic High School in Lancashire
• Perins School: A Community Sports College in Hampshire
• The Dunston School in Northamptonshire

How will this information on Learning Platforms impact my teaching?

After todays session on learning platforms I have gained an insight on the what learning platforms are, how they can be used and how they benefit teaching and learning overall. When I'm teaching in a school I will acknowledge any learning platforms that they are currently using within the school and how I can contribute to the developed of such learning platforms. I feel they have a great benefits in their use for teachers and students in discussion boards,  downloading and sharing information and linking teaching and learning applications, activites and resources with managed information systems. I would use learning platforms through-out my teaching, as I feel they provide a personal learning environment where students can add, edit, tag, comment, search, share and review their learning. Within education this helps to promote independance and interdependance amongst learners and instant interaction and feedback with students and teachers to ensure meaningful learning.

Further information:

http://sharepointineducation.com/the-personal-learning-environment-moving-beyond-the-vle-and-sharepoint-learning-platform.

http://earlyyearslearning.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/vles-in-eyfs-and-ks1/.

http://www.learningplatforms.moonfruit.com/.