Hi
I agree with Richard, the key issue is the support structure that ensures
that DL students' needs are met most effectively. In my experience, existing
paper-based DL programmes that work well, can be transferred fairly easily
to an on-line environment, after all, the only thing that is changing is the
mode of delivery.
However, the various tools offered by the various VLE products around would
seem to suggest some added value - maybe formative assessment or the
communications options can be implemented to enable more effective or
creative learning & teaching. It smacks of 'bolting on' the technology, but
it might be a start.
If we were thinking of using a 'VLE' to run a completely new DL course, I
would look very hard at my business model. In my opinion, most of the
current breed of VLEs are simply not up to the job, having neither the
flexibility for tutors or students, nor the sophistication to appeal to
paying customers. If I could afford it I would design my own course site (no
not a VLE..) and pull in appropriate specialist tools where necessary. We
then get something that is tailored much more closely to the aspirations and
needs of the learner, and hence aims at a 'deeper' learning experience - the
downside is that this takes considerably longer to produce and is expensive,
(and I'm not convinced that there any examples in existence). It comes down
to the business model - you may look at small numbers of students who are
happy to pay £10k for a Post-graduate qualification in a niche market -
alternatively we could be looking at large numbers of sparsely populated
'cheap' short courses for SMEs....
At the end of the day engagement is probably the answer, because the
evidence either way is not sufficient to give you a simple answer.
rgds
simonf
--------------------------------
Simon Fitzpatrick
eLearning Consultant
E: [log in to unmask]
W: www.learn2elearn.co.uk
M: 07729-137500
--------------------------------
> My name is Richard Brown - Bradford College , we run a Distance Learning
> Program for Part - Time students, in Metallurgy and Materials.
>
> We are using Web Ct , and offer this to students who do not attend at
> College ( we also run the same programs at College - N/C, HNC/ HND as Day /
> evening / flexible attendence).
>
> Using the VLE helps a great deal, but its the support offered by the staff
> to improve the learning that takes place ( can ) , eg lots of contact /
> support.
>
> The use of a tutorial system works - use of phone , in the main - and use
> of student Log / Diary - which is reflective, helps the learner, and allows
> the staff to support the process.
>
> Development of study skills and flexible time table for staff time helps.
>
> In our case the part time students are often supported in work, by a
> Industrial Mentor and receive local support, from a Tutor.
>
> The leaning and assessment need to be flexible and meet the needs and
> requirement of the learner, and uses the work based learning.
>
> Our experience of transferring the paper based learning and assessment - it
> possibly needs to be changed.
> Hope this helps
>
> Richard
>
> Richard SA Brown
> Bradford College
> [log in to unmask]
> 01274 753381
>
>> ----------
>> From: LAURA SHAW[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>> Reply To: Virtual Learning Environments
>> Sent: 13 March 2003 11:42
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: VLE's and Distance Learning
>>
>> <<File: ATT345869.txt>>
>> Can anyone help? At Preston College we have so far concentrated on using
>> our VLE to supplement full-time, campus taught courses. We are now
>> thinking about how we can use our VLE to deliver Distance Learning courses
>> that are currently paper-based. Is anyone successfully using their VLE for
>> this purpose and so you have any advice for us?
>>
>> Thank You
>>
>> Laura Shaw
>> ILT Technical Development Officer
>> Preston College
>> 01772 225575
>> ***************** List information: ***************** Remember - replies
>> go by default to the entire list. Access the list via the web on
>> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html The Ferl VLE Focus Area is at
>> http://ferl.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?page=76 To unsubscribe, email
>> [log in to unmask] with the message: leave vle
>>
>
> ***************** List information: *****************
> Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
> Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
> The Ferl VLE Focus Area is at http://ferl.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?page=76
> To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave vle
>
***************** List information: *****************
Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
The Ferl VLE Focus Area is at http://ferl.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?page=76
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave vle
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