The Virtual Learning Environment - Directions for Development in Secondary Education

While the use virtual learning environments (VLEs) in universities and colleges is now relatively established, this is not the case in many schools today. This paper examines the particular demands made of VLEs in secondary education in the UK and how effective and innovative use inside and outside the classroom could be promoted. Work currently being carried out with teachers in five schools as part of a two-year EU-funded project [1] is reported. Surveys to establish the perceived needs of teachers and senior managers were followed up by curriculum-led workshop sessions totalling six days with up to four teachers in each school working with another teacher who is highly conversant with VLE technology. Qualitative data gathered through field notes, observations, focus groups, recorded interviews and on-site documents were analysed in terms of the uptake and use of the technology and the quality of learning activities developed. It was found that innovation in the school setting is a potentially complex process; schools have a variety of responsibilities and demands that must be concurrently accommodated. With regard to the quality of learning activity and student engagement, a theoretical framework is introduced within which technology-use can be mapped. In relation to this and the use of VLE technology, the scope for learning as participation was explored. Principles arising from monitoring the sessions included teacher ownership of development; embedding the use of the technology to existing learning objectives or teaching and learning resources; levels of personalisation; external comprehensibility in view of the availability of a VLE to a variety of users. It is also argued that development of the use of the VLE in the school context could lead to both curriculum enhancement and curriculum transformation. [1] The work carried out in the UK along with partner institutions in Spain and Italy forms part of a two-year project 'Teaching to Teach with Technology' funded by the EU Leonardo Da Vinci Life Long Learning Program.