MLE or VLE - is that the question?Moira Bent

Newcastle University Library

What’s in an acronym?

MLE VLE LMS IMS ALN

What’s in an acronym?

MLE VLE LMS IMS ALN

managed learning environment virtual learning environment learning management system instructional management

system asynchronous learning network

Managed Learning Environment

“ A system that uses technology to enhance and make more effective the network of relationships between learners, teachers and organisers of learning, through integrated support for richer communications and activities”

Characteristics of a MLE

Encompasses all activity in university Coherent coordinated infrastructure Info strategy/ T&L strategy Interoperability between systems Includes administrative info Distributed resources Support and guidance Content management

Virtual Learning Environment“Components in which tutors and

learners participate in on-line interactions, including on-line learning”

“a focus for student learning activities and their management and facilitation, along with provision of content and resources”

Characteristics of a VLE

Software packages which support on-line learning

part of a MLE concerned with content,

communication at programme level

require few additional skills

Reproduced with permission of Becta

Examples of VLEs

WebCT Lotus Learning Space Campus Pipeline Oracle Learning Server Blackboard Wolf COSE

Issues for Libraries

What is our role in MLE/VLE? What skills do we need? Management of resources Grey Intranet Interoperability of LMS Use of VLEs for information skills Attitudes- management/vendors Copyright

“The hard truth is that without an MLE/VLE a University is not sustainable far into the 21st

century”

JISC MLE Workshop