Learning+Platforms



**Learning Platforms**
=A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)= Nowadays, most VLE software is installed on web servers and can, therefore, be accessed via the Internet at anytime. Depending on the policy and practice of the school, college or educational organisation, access to the VLE and enrollment onto course programmes may be restricted. Many of these include Web 2.0 features to facilitate communication via "many to many" publishing. Some of the components are used in the example below and include bookmarking, RSS feeds, podcasts, forums and wikis. **
 * Essentially, a virtual learning environment (VLE) is a suite of software to enable educators to manage online learning in a coherent way. Within a VLE, various combinations of "tools" are provided to support the design of course programmes and create a variety of learning experiences.

=media type="youtube" key="QdP4_7xXXVw" height="249" width="308"= Learning platforms are fundamental to the government vision of emerging ICT and personalized e-learning for the future. To ensure the platforms do not become too complex or disorganized, they require careful [|planning] According to Becta (2008:1), effective learning platforms have a number of advantages: ** An Effective Learning Platform will enable Teachers to ** · Create and share teaching materials which can be accessed online. · Publish session plans and other resources online enabling colleagues to access them both in school and from home ·  Access a variety of learning materials that can be customised to meet the needs of the learner. · To inform summarise and formative assessment. · Increase their ICT competence and confidence. · Access learning materials created by their teachers and others from home. · Offers a wider choice of learning styles and a personalised curriculum. · Create an e-portfolio. · Improve their digital literacy . · Submit homework for assessment. · Participate in discussion forums with other students and teachers. · Play a part in their child’s learning. · Support their child to access learning activities outside of the classroom. <span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore;">· Keep track of the child’s learning and achievements by accessing their home page. <span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore;">· View teacher’s assessments and attendance records. <span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore;">· Supports communication with teachers and school administrators. <span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore;">· Become active partners with the school by engaging with wider school issues through online communication tools.
 * An Effective Learning Platform will enable Pupils to **
 * An Effective Learning Platform will enable Parents to **

<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes; msoansilanguage: EN-GB; msobidilanguage: AR-SA;"> Learning Platforms Explained [|Learning Platforms Case Studies]

Programmes that can be used to create virtual learning environments: [|Google docs]: Google Docs is a free application offered by Google. It allows users to create, edit and save documents online, while collaborating in real-time with other users. [|Edublogs]: Edublogs are blogs used for educational purposes. T// he easy interaction promotes the development of learning communities. Practicioners can also use edublogs to provide an area in which to direct children to useful resources. //   <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; msoansilanguage: IT; msobidilanguage: AR-SA; msofareastfontfamily: 'MS Mincho'; msofareastlanguage: JA; msospacerun: yes;">// [|Chalksite]: ** Chalksite is a web-based hosted application that uses modem web technologies. It offers a ** simple way of expanding a classroom onto the internet. The application enables t** eachers, children and parents to access a range of information and is free! ** // <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> [|21 Classes]: 21Classes is a product provided by 21Publish Inc. The web-based service is designed so the user can customize their blog communities’ e.g. the design, user functions, and privacy. Wikispaces: My personal favourite! Wikispace is great for any kind of communal website. You can start a wiki about anything you want; they can also allow readers to become part of the site by letting them add their own comments and ideas. [|functional_req_learning_platforms_v1.pdf] [|functional_req_learning_platforms_v1.doc] [|learning_platforms_essential_guide.pdf] none //://

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=Schools using a Virtual Learning Environment= There are an increasing number of UK schools making use of VLE to support teaching and learning activities. Some VLEs of notable interest include :
 * Amery Hill School in Hampshire
 * Brune Park Community College in Hampshire
 * Cockermouth School in Cumbria
 * Fallibroome High School in Cheshire
 * Guiseley School in West Yorkshire
 * Holmefirth High School in Kirklees
 * 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
 * Raistrict High School in Calderdale
 * St Ives School in Surrey
 * The Dunston School in Northamptonshire
 * Ulverston Victoria High School in Cumbria