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Managed Learning Environments. Paul Hudson Learning Technology Development Unit University of Hertfordshire. Contents. What is an MLE? Components of an MLE Off-the-peg MLE solutions StudyNet. The big statement….
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Managed Learning Environments Paul Hudson Learning Technology Development Unit University of Hertfordshire
Contents • What is an MLE? • Components of an MLE • Off-the-peg MLE solutions • StudyNet
The big statement….. • “The hard truth is that without a Managed Learning Environment a University is not sustainable far into the 21st 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)
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 • Integration with existing systems • ‘Best of breed’ • Speed of Implementation • Updated to reflect UH priorities • Lack of flexibility can force change • Many vendors are development partners • Speed of implementation • 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
WebCT • Offers all the required VLE facilities • Virtual Whiteboards & Chat • Simple ‘student’ interface • ‘Personalised Learning Paths’ • Flexible but complicated to use • Oracle 9 based
StudyNet • 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
Was ‘StudyNet’ the best decision? • Adapted to meet UH requirements • Completely driven by Genesis. Genesis data is improving because of this. • However, UH has yet to improve academic and administrative processes to meet the requirements of StudyNet • Difficult to manage prioritise development vs maintenance
But to be honest…… Only time will tell………