Learning Platforms

VLES, MLES and Learning Platforms

What are learning platforms?

A Learning Platform (LP) is “a generic term to describe a system of information and communication technologies that is used to deliver and support leaning” (DfES)

A learning platform should contain some or all of the following:

Content management	enabling teaching staff to create, store and repurpose resources and coursework which can be accessed online
Curriculum mapping and planning	providing tools and storage to support assessment for learning, personalisation, lesson planning etc.
Learner engagement and administration	enabling access to pupil information, attendance, timetabling, e-portfolios and management information
Tools and services	providing communication tools such as email, messaging, discussion forums and blogs

A Learning Platform can develop learning experiences for children in class, giving the children more control, allowing children to learn whenever, wherever and however suits them best à Making learning more accessible to all!

Within education and training environments there are two commonly used terms to describe learning platforms:

· the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

· the Managed Learning Environment (MLE) and

VLE	A Virtual Learning Environment	a combination of all three tools – content, communications and management. It supports a range of learning processes, from traditional classroom use to off-line, distance learning and online learning
MLE	A Managed Learning Environment	a system designed to assist teachers in the management of online courses. It usually includes access control, provision of e‑learning content, communication tools, and administration of user workgroups. It incorporates a VLE and Management Information Systems

(www.learningtechnologies.ac.uk/ecpd/.../4.1.1_updated_07-05-06.)

How can learning platforms be beneficial?

	Benefits
Teachers	create and share teaching materials which can be accessed online put their resources online (lesson plan by lesson plan) so colleagues can access them both in school and from home access a wide variety of learning materials that they can customise for the exact needs of their pupils access lesson plans from colleagues to support supply cover assess, monitor and track individual and group progress receive submissions of work from pupils in one area that is easy to manage manage their timetables, diary, email increase their ICT competence and confidence.
Pupils	access learning materials created by their teachers and others, outside lesson time and from locations such as the library and home store work and notes online for use in assignments, homework and revision, outside normal school hours work at their own pace and with a wider choice of learning styles, through a more personalised curriculum create an online portfolio, including digital photos and videos of performance as well as text improve their ICT skills and online management of materials submit homework and assignments for marking and assessment communicate by email and participate in live discussions and forums with other students and teachers.
Parents	play a greater part in children's learning, where they have access to the learning platform from home support children in any learning which takes place outside school access their child's personal home page to keep track of their work and the curriculum view reports, attendance data and scores in assessment activities communicate effectively with teachers, school administrators and others supporting their child’s learning engage with wider school issues through online communication tools become active partners with the school.