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Despite expectations, the use of Virtual Learning Environments across schools and colleges has been slow to take off. Enthusiasm and peer support from teachers and learners should help the initiative develop more widely, says Ofsted.

These are the main findings in the report, Virtual learning environments: an

evaluation of their development in a sample of educational settings, published today by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) allow learners and staff to access a wide variety of learning materials through specially designed computer systems. Resources such as notes and handouts, practice tests, power point presentations, video clips and links to useful internet sites are commonly found on VLEs.

The survey, carried out in a range of settings, including schools, colleges, work-based learning and adult and community learning centres, found that the concept of VLEs was still relatively new, and represented only a small aspect of learning.

Over three quarters of those surveyed who had a VLE showed aspects that were good, however none had a VLE that covered every subject area comprehensively. Of those surveyed, colleges were found to be making the most use of VLEs, while primary schools the least.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, said:

“Our survey shows that Virtual Learning Environments can help to enthuse learners, by allowing them to reinforce lessons seen in the classroom, catch up on missed work and improve their knowledge.

“However, Virtual Learning Environments are still in the early stages of development. More sharing of good practice amongst peers, collaborative working and further promotion of the benefits to learners will help develop the initiative more widely.”

The best VLEs depended on an enthusiastic teacher, trainer or manager to develop materials and encourage their use amongst learners and staff. A good grasp of information technology was not critical to a good VLE; they flourished where skilled and confident teachers and tutors treated the VLE as an extension of their normal work.

Further to this, a “technology champion” was usually a key element to a successful VLE. Someone who was able to share good practice in the development of materials and provide support to colleagues was vital in ensuring the VLE was used effectively.

Where VLEs were found to be least effective, the tool was used as a “dumping ground” or storage place for rarely used files, rather than for material that enhanced the face to face learning done inside the classroom.

Recommendations

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), with their partner organisations, should continue to guide the development of electronically based learning materials, in particular to support courses for 14-19-year-olds and for learners on adult and community learning programmes.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and its successor organisations should continue with the funding of work-based learning e-learning and VLE development and share good practice from current projects.

Providers should develop specific VLE strategies that identify senior management responsibilities, and ensure that VLEs are designed to enhance learning and are not just a storage or communication facility.

Read the report

1. The report Virtual learning environments: an evaluation of their development in a sample of educational settings can be found on the Ofsted website, www.ofsted.gov.uk
2. A team of Her Majesty’s Inspectors and Additional Inspectors visited 18 colleges, six primary and two secondary schools, three work-based learning providers, three adult and community learning providers and one local authority, between January and May 2008 for this survey. They also remotely reviewed five college and four school VLEs.
3. The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects registered childcare and children's social care, including adoption and fostering agencies, residential schools, family centres and homes for children. It also inspects all state maintained schools, non-association independent schools, pupil referral units, further education, initial teacher education, and publicly funded adult skills and employment-based training, the Children and Family Courts Advisory Service (Cafcass), and the overall level of services for children in local authority areas (through annual performance assessments and joint area reviews).
4. The Ofsted Press Office can be contacted on 08456 4040404 between 8am – 6pm Monday – Friday. During evenings and weekends we can be reached on 07919 057359.