The VLE is Dead
comments
If the VLE is dead, what are we going to call "the ICT system that facilitates e-learning" - and how are we going to benchmark its adoption and monitor/enhance its quality?
Hi James, Paul and others,
I think the term to use is Cloud Learning Environment (CLE) as we find out that IT departments are going to, slowly, outsource more and more. @UoPortsmouth the email and webspace for students is already been outsourced for some of our 30K students.
The debate should be about the birth of CLE. What services? When? How? Privacy? Federated access, lifelong learning, ePortfolios etc
I would (and will ;) argue that even if a system is outsourced, if it remains in corporate 'control'/ownership and is presented as a unified service then it is only the infrastructure and delivery mechanism which has changed while the concept remains the same. In the context of the VLE, even if it were to evolve to use syndicated 3rd party tools, as long as those tools are seamlessly integrated within an institutional framework then it essentially remains a VLE.
I believe such a change would be an evolution of the infrastructure rather than marking a revolution of philosophy/pedagogy.
However, the cost of 'free services should not be ignored or underestimated, and I will also argue that it is IT proffesionals who are best placed to manage such a transition to outsourcing due to the legal, technical, usability and security issues -always in collaboration/consultation with academics and learning technologists of course :)
(hope I haven't made too many typos using the phone to reply- can't easily proof read it due to tiny text box)
I agree with you Nick (in principle). However, the case of Google offering email services along with Google Apps to our students (staff not included) is different from a simple outsourcing of institutionally controlled system to a cloud based service.
a) it creates a divide between staff and student's use of the outsourced system - perhaps not for long
b) its this very service (google apps/gmail/gtalk etc) that could be part of a student's PLE. The students will now have 2 accounts of every google service the university outsource. Its probably google's popularity that has played a role in such a decision along with the range of tools they offer that may be suitable for educational use.
The consultation process should include IT professional, academics, Learning technologists as well as students. I am always skeptical about "free" services (and insurance deals alike - thats another matter) but in this case the students seem really positive about google mail
The video of the VLE is Dead debate is now online.
http://elearningstuff.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/the-vle-is-dead-the-movie/
Death of the VLE Symposium at ALT-C 2009.
Background
The future success of e-learning depends on appropriate selection of tools and services. This symposium will propose that the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as an institutional tool is dead, no more, defunct, expired.
Ideas to be explored
The first panel member, Steve Wheeler, will argue that many VLEs are not fit for purpose, and masquerade as solutions for the management of online learning. Some are little more than glorified e-mail systems. They will argue that VLEs provide a negative experience for learners.
The second member of the panel, Graham Attwell, believes that the VLE is dead and that the Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is the solution to the needs of diverse learners. PLEs provide opportunities for learners, offering users the ability to develop their own spaces in which to reflect on their learning.
The third panel member, James Clay, however, believes that the VLE is not yet dead as a concept, but can be the starting point of a journey for many learners. Creating an online environment involving multiple tools that provides for an enhanced experience for learners can involve a VLE as a hub or centre.
The fourth panel member, Nick Sharratt, argues for the concept of the institutional VLE as essentially sound. VLEs provide a stable, reliable, self-contained and safe environment in which all teaching and learning activities can be conducted. It provides the best environment for the variety of learners within institutions.
The session will be chaired by Josie Fraser.
Structure of session
The symposium will begin with an opportunity for attendees to voice their opinions on the future of the VLE. Each member of the panel will then present their case. The panel, with contributions from the audience, will then debate the key issues that have arisen.
Intended outcomes
By the end of the debate, participants will be able to have a greater understanding of the evolution and possible extinction of the VLE and the impact on learners.
A summary of the key points of the discussion will be syndicated on several blogs and other online spaces, and delegates will be encouraged to tweet and live blog the discussion as it happens in real time.
Photo source.