Virtual Learning Environments

Is the concept of 'virtual learning environment' just a popular label to describe any educational software? No, the concept includes several interesting features that justify the use of a specific label. We review these features in the first part of our contribution. Do these features guarantee pedagogical effects? No, we review in the second some potential contributions of virtual learning environments.Turning potential effects into actual outcomes is the challenge of designers.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ?

Does a « virtual learning environment » refer to any educational web site? No. However, as many fashionable words, some authors use it in a very broad way, including for instance Web sites that simply include static Web pages. Is a «virtual learning environment» restricted to systems including some  3D / virtual reality technology? No. Some environments include less sophisticated interfaces, namely text-based ones. 

Is a “virtual learning environment” synonymous to a «virtual campus»? No. A “virtual campus”, provides University courses, while the name «virtual learning environment» does not restrict the scope to any age or level. The former is hence a sub-category of the latter. A “virtual campus”, covers a set of courses, often a whole diploma programme, while «virtual learning environment» can be used for smaller parts of a curriculum.

We argue that virtual learning environments can be identified by the following features and we will discuss them one by one through this contribution: 

• A virtual learning environment is a designed information space.

• A virtual learning environment is a social space: educational interactions occur in the

environment, turning spaces into places.

• The virtual space is explicitly represented: the representation of this information/social

space can vary from text to 3D immersive worlds.

• Students are not only active, but also actors: they co-construct the virtual space. Virtual learning environments are not restricted to distance education: they also enrich classroom activities.

• Virtual learning environments integrate heterogeneous technologies and multiple pedagogical approaches.