Virtual Learning Environments

What is Specific to Virtual Learning Environments?

• The information space has been designed. 
• Educational interactions occur in the environment, turning spaces into places.
• The information/social space is explicitly represented. The representation varies from text to 3D immersive worlds.
• Students are not only active, but also actors. They co-construct the virtual space.
• Virtual learning environments are not restricted to distance education. They also enrich classroom activities.
• Virtual learning environments integrate heterogeneous technologies and multiple pedagogical approaches.
• Most virtual environments overlap with physical environments.

Will Virtual Learning Environments Improve Education?

• Media have no intrinsic effects, but include affordances. 
• What are the affordances of virtual learning environments?

1. Social interactions 
2. Access to information 
3. The integration of technology 
4. Collaborative learning 

• Before “Is it more effective than?” , teachers ask “does it work?”.
• The effect of virtual learning environments may be less a matter of  effectiveness  than as space for innovation