AVirtual Learning Environment(VLE) is an integrateddistance learningplatform that typically incorporates course materials, homework, tests, assessments, and other tools that are external to the classroom experience. VLEs may also include social media tools that allow learners and instructors to interact via chat or online discussion boards. VLEs generally use Web 2.0 tools, and also include a content management system. VLEs are often integrated with an enterprise’sLMS/LCMS, orERPsystems. Virtual learning environments may provide for bothsynchronousandasynchronouslearning programs. Some VLEs now incorporate social gaming environments as an extension of the platform

exampleThe most commonly used examples of a VLE includeMoodle(link is external)andBlackboard(link is external). Moodle is free to download, but doesn’t take into account the substantial cost of hosting and managing the platform effectively. In the case of Universities and Colleges, that invariably involves an IT department and a dedicated spokesperson to ‘get it right’ as most do. How staff use it is another subject all together. But in the case of the WBL sector, very few have the spare infrastructure or personnel to take on such a system and designing content takes a different set of skills entirely and that takes time. Time is a cost that few can afford, but must be factored in or frankly, don’t start.