What is a learning platform?

What is your definition of a learning platform? Enter your definitions here:

JISC tell us that: “A learning platform is defined as software, or a combination of different types of software, that sits on, or is accessible from, an organisation’s network, and that supports teaching and learning for practitioners and learners.” Ferl Practitioners’Program

Common terms include: Websites Websites Content Management Systems (CMS) Content Management Systems (CMS) Intranets Intranets Shared folders Shared folders Collaboration tools and conferencing systems Collaboration tools and conferencing systems Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) Managed Learning Environments (MLE) Managed Learning Environments (MLE) Portals Portals

The focus of this session will be Virtual Learning Environments

Key features of a VLE Web-based - accessible like any other web pageWeb-based - accessible like any other web page Password protected - tutors/learners get similar ‘view’Password protected - tutors/learners get similar ‘view’ Course content distributionCourse content distribution Group communication & collaborationGroup communication & collaboration AssessmentAssessment Student managementStudent management CustomisableCustomisable Extras - blogs/wikis etc.Extras - blogs/wikis etc.

For what have you used a learning platform before? List here how you have previously used a learning platform:

Different levels of functionality of VLEs Making course materials available online Limited functionality Complex functionality Content delivery plus communications, for example, an intranet plus , bulletin boards, application sharing Content delivery, communications, learner tracking, management information Content delivery plus formative assessment, Offering additional online learning materials

A VLE ‘Model’ You buy annual licence & download softwareYou buy annual licence & download software Installed on your serverInstalled on your server Your administrator configures interface and user accountsYour administrator configures interface and user accounts

A ‘Hosted’ VLE You buy annual licenceYou buy annual licence System remains on ‘host’serverSystem remains on ‘host’server Your administrator configures interface and user accountsYour administrator configures interface and user accounts

An ‘Open Source’ VLE You download licence & softwareYou download licence & software Installed on your serverInstalled on your server Your administrator configures interface and user accountsYour administrator configures interface and user accounts

‘A Home-grown VLE’ You develop, maintain & support software yourself..You develop, maintain & support software yourself.. Installed on your serverInstalled on your server Your administrator configures interface and user accountsYour administrator configures interface and user accounts

South Birmingham College WBL Learners who have missed Key Skills sessions due to work commitments can access Moodle and obtain notes and resources. This has helped keep them on target for their framework completion.

Staff operate from different sites, across a variety of vocational areas. However, there is much cross over in delivery, ie Key Skills, Health& Safety. The system has allowed staff to easily share resources. This has saved time in devising lesson plans. Sandwell New Horizons The portal is a site which all learners and teaching staff in North Tyneside have access to in order to create or view lessons North Tyneside Learning Partnership (NTLP) Learning Portal

A variety of quizzes using Hot Potatoes™ have been developed. This are both generic to all learners and occupationally specific. It helps them learn at their own pace. A CD has been developed from these materials that they can use at home if they do not have internet access. Trinity Training

Being able to use Moodle to talk to other learners has been great, as I don’t attend the training centre. There is also a message board where we list any problems we have had and staff and learners give advice. Learner, South Birmingham College WBL Derby City Council offers the learning platform DerbyLearn to all their adult learners. The learning platform offers learners online access to their course materials, links to further online resources, and communication and networking opportunities Derby City Council