Managed Learning Environments Paul Hudson Learning Technology Development

Managed Learning Environments Paul Hudson Learning Technology Development University of Hertfordshire

Contents • What is an MLE? • Components of an MLE • Off-the-peg MLE solutions • Study. Net

The big statement…. . • “The hard truth is that without a Managed Learning Environment a University is not sustainable far into the 21 st century” • JISC (being melodramatic)

What is an MLE? • The term Managed Learning Environment (MLE) refers to the whole range of information systems and processes of a college (including its VLE if it has one) that contribute directly, or indirectly, to learning and the management of that learning JISC (their definition on 18/10/2003)

JISC’s MLE components diagram

So what does it boil down to? • Management Information System (Genesis) • Library Management System (Voyager) • A Virtual Learning Environment driven by your MIS system

Proprietary vs Bought-in ü Integration with existing systems ü Lack of flexibility can force change ü ‘Best of breed’ ü Speed of Implementation ü Many vendors are development partners ü Speed of implementation ü Updated to reflect UH priorities ü Less long term maintenance

Features of a VLE • News and information • Teaching Resource creation • Assignments • Group Work • Reading Lists • Class management facilities

Blackboard • Offers all the required VLE facilities • Virtual Whiteboards & Chat • Simple interface • Fairly easy to use • Can buy in ‘professional’ Blackboard courses • Expandable via Blackboard ‘building blocks’ • Oracle 8 based

Blackboard

Web. CT • Offers all the required VLE facilities • Virtual Whiteboards & Chat • Simple ‘student’ interface • ‘Personalised Learning Paths’ • Flexible but complicated to use • Oracle 9 based

Web. CT

Study. Net • Offers all the required VLE facilities • Facilities proven to work with UH • Integration with central learning resources • Consistent interface • Designed to reflect UH structure • Better ‘accessibility’ • Reliance on key personnel

Study. Net

Was ‘Study. Net’ the best decision? • Adapted to meet UH requirements • Completely driven by Genesis data is improving because of this. • However, UH has yet to improve academic and administrative processes to meet the requirements of Study. Net • Difficult to manage prioritise development vs maintenance

But to be honest…… Only time will tell………