VLE (Virtual Learning Environment): Navigating the Digital Learning Landscape

A virtual learning environment (VLE) integrates educators and learners on an online platform, allowing for learning or training to happen remotely. These e-learning environments utilize various forms of media, such as text, video, audio, quizzes, and interactivity, to engage learners in online course material. Corporations can use VLEs to create classroom-like environments and immersive experiences for training and professional development courses that have the potential to reduce the learning curve and boost collaboration. 

This article explores the types of virtual learning environments, their benefits for companies and corporations, how to design compelling experiences, and how VLEs differ from learning management systems (LMS).

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Types of virtual learning environments

VLEs have three different online learning environments that dictate how much of the course and instruction is online and synchronized with a typical classroom structure. These environments include:

• Synchronous learning: Real-time learning through a live-streamed video of the instructor functions similarly to the typical classroom learning environment where learners ask questions and engage the instructor. 

• Asynchronous learning: Learners who want to learn at their own pace can use pre-recorded lectures and course materials and participate in discussion boards and other online resources that make the VLE accessible for working professionals or those with busy schedules. 

• Hybrid learning: Combining aspects of synchronous and asynchronous VLEs into an environment with both live lectures and pre-recorded ones gives learners both structure and independence while catering to different learning styles and offering the best of both options.

Components of a VLE

A VLE contains differing components depending on your institution or organization's needs. However, a typical VLE contains the course structure, syllabus, modules, and lesson plans. Additionally, it includes multimedia formats of topic information, external resources, and communication tools like forums, messaging, and discussion boards. VLEs give online learning tools to both learners and educators, as educators can track learners’ progress, upload or change modules based on feedback, and create reports. 

The role of VLEs in corporate training

In corporate training, VLEs provide a singular online space for course content, materials, and tests to create an experience similar to a classroom. Enterprises and corporations may integrate a VLE within their LMS framework to have everything in one place. VLEs for corporate training give employees more accessible options to complete training outside the office. It also allows you to create synchronous or asynchronous employee training experiences. 

VLEs can help train employees beyond onboarding by building new skills, having employees meet new technology requirements, or assessing your workforce’s current skills in a subject. Online training programs vary in length depending on your organization's needs. 

Benefits of VLEs

VLEs provide universities and corporations with a range of benefits that make virtual training more effective, cost-efficient, and easy for their learners to use. Let’s look at some of the advantages of VLEs for higher education and corporate training. 

Advantages for higher ed

Virtual learning environments for higher education create easy access for learners at a physical institution and in online learning programs. VLEs are the foundation of virtual classrooms and online learning experiences and have various advantages for higher educational institutions. Some of these benefits include:

• Cost-effective: Students in online learning environments have lower commuting costs, and many online courses are cheaper than attending an in-person institution.

• Accessibility: VLEs provide a virtual classroom for learners who cannot meet in person, giving them access to their education from anywhere at any time.

• Attendance: Connecting to class from anywhere gives learners access to their coursework, tests, and instruction from their location of choice. 

• Learner performance: VLEs give educators tools to review learner performance and change the course curriculum depending on learner needs. 

VLEs offer essential benefits for a learner-centric learning experience in higher education but do not replace the community and skills gained in in-person instruction.

Advantages for corporations

With the emergence of virtual training and learning for corporations, VLEs provide numerous benefits to engaging employees in onboarding, training, and education. Below are some of the advantages for corporations:

• Cost and efficiency: Online employee training reduces the costs of bringing everyone into one place while also making training and skill-building scalable and all in one place. 

• Accessibility: Remote training offers easy access while providing options for those needing closed captions, more volume, or other accessibility options.

• Personalization: VLEs allow learners to learn at their own pace and work through course material in a way that benefits their learning preferences. 

• Flexibility: VLEs make learning flexible with their remote access and the ability of employees to fit training around their schedule to make the best use of their time. 

VLE vs. LMS

A VLE and an LMS have similar functions in fostering interactive e-learning environments for organizations. However, they have a few key differences. One difference is that universities leverage the tools a VLE provides. At the same time, businesses reach for an LMS because of the overarching management of institutional knowledge, training, learning, and onboarding they provide. VLEs, on the other hand, help teachers and learners engage, discuss, and track progress in an accessible online format. 

Designing virtual learning environments

The key to achieving effective virtual learning is creating a VLE that meets your organization's goals and requirements. Below are some steps to create an effective VLE, whether you are a university educator or need to run a corporate training session. 

• Create your learning goals and objectives to determine whether a VLE suits your class or training needs. Ideally, it will incorporate ways for learners and instructors to communicate and collaborate as needed.

• Once you decide to use a VLE, find a secure, interactive platform or one in your LMS that records video and is easy to set up and use. 

• Set up your VLE and the space where you will produce content and work. Learn about your computer webcam, audio, and features within the VLE. 

• Design your VLE to foster a learning environment by making it accessible and organizing content to create continuous learning. 

• Structure learning goals, use visuals and multimedia, and integrate interactive tools to maintain engagement to create the content needed to run your course or training session. 

• Test the VLE with peers or colleagues before going live to students to troubleshoot any technical issues and ensure all aspects work correctly and are easy to use. 

• Launch your VLE and use the analytics it provides to continuously improve the learning experience for students by incorporating feedback and making data-driven decisions. Remember to communicate expectations so learners are aware of their responsibilities.

Getting started with Coursera

VLEs are accessible online learning environments that help learners, educators, and corporate trainers consolidate learning into a single place. These tools empower everyone involved and give learners the tools they need to succeed.

To build critical skills through online courses, consider incorporating Coursera for Business. This aids organizations by providing resources to re-skill or upskill their workplaces. Coursera for Campus equips students with skills that are in demand for their future in the workplace. If you are an educator looking to teach using technology, try the Get Interactive: Practical Teaching with Technology from the University of London, available on Coursera.