What is a virtual learning environment? Is a website a virtual learning environment? Is it an “online campus”? Does it involve 3D virtual reality? How have current trends in technology, such as social media and virtual worlds, affected the processes and objectives of education?
Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are designed information and social spaces that integrate multiple technologies and pedagogical approaches. In this course, we will examine a variety of VLEs, ranging from text-based fora such as Blackboard to 3D immersive worlds such as Second Life, and will focus on optimizing virtual world platforms for learning experiences.