Date:  Wednesday 16 December 2009
Venue:  University of Wolverhampton, City Campus, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SB
Time:  12:30pm – 15:30pm


The future success of e-learning depends on appropriate selection of tools and 
services.  This symposium will propose that the Virtual Learning Environment 
(VLE) as an institutional tool is dead, no more, defunct, expired.

Originally delivered at ALTC 2009, this discussion has since moved forward, 
opinions have changed, divided and developed so it could now be argued that 
VLE's are undead - an entity which was once alive, has since died but 
continued to carry some life like characteristics.

This lively debate is designed to give end users a voice and an opportunity to 
discuss the issues that arise by using institutional VLE's.

•	The first panel member Steve Wheeler, will argue that many VLEs are 
not fit for purpose, and masquerade as solutions for the management of online 
learning.  Some are little more than glorified e-mail systems.  He will argue that 
VLE's provide a negative experience for learners.

•	The second panellist, Graham Attwell, believes that the VLE is dead 
and that the Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is the solution to the needs 
of the diverse learner.  PLE's provide opportunities for learners, offering users 
the ability to develop their won space in which to reflect on their learning.

•	The third panel member, James Clay, however believes that the VLE 
is not yet dead as a concept, but can be the starting point of a journey for 
many learners.  Creating an online environment involving multiple tools that 
provides for an enhanced experience for learners can involve a VLE as a hub or 
centre.

•	The fourth panel member, Nick Sharratt, argues for the concept of 
the institutional VLE as essentially sound.  VLE's provide a stable, reliable, self-
contained and safe environment in which all teaching and learning activities 
can be conducted.  It provides the best environment for the variety of 
learners within institutions.

The session will be chaired by Josie Fraser.

Structure of the Session

The event will start with a networking lunch followed with an opportunity for 
attendees to voice their opinions on the future of the VLE.  Each member of 
the panel will then present their case.  The panel, with contributions from the 
audience will then debate the key issues that have arisen.  There will also be 
pre-event online discussions taking place via Twitter and blogs asking for the 
key issues that affect users and the most popular will then be taken for 
discussion in breakout sessions.  The panel will then re-convene for a closing 
discussion.

Intended Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will be able to have a greater 
understanding of the evolution and possible extinction of the VLE and its 
impact on learners.

Booking Details

Places are available at the cost price of £40 per person which includes 
refreshments and a light lunch.  To book your place, please visit the Learning 
Lab website (www.learninglab.org.uk) or contact Abi Redmond, Event 
Organiser on 01902 322362 for further details.

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