Wk1 Activity: History of VLE - Andrieux_Joseph Virtual Learning Environment, Where it all began.

In the the year 2010, students around the world and even next door have taken or are taking part in some form of education at home instead of in the traditional classroom. This form of learning is not new. It has just evolved into something that can no longer kept in a box hidden from the rest of the world.

"Distance Learning" which is also known as "Distance Education" is a concept that started as far back as the early 1700s. In 1728, a Boston paper was sending newsletters to anyone interested in learning short-hand. This form of media started a learning trend that later became the core of learning in our society today (Jensen, 2006).  From reading from news-weekly letters, listening to radio broadcasts, to watching public television educational shows, distance learning has provided educational institutions such as the University of Wisconsin the ability to stretch throughout its state to everyone at all ages and provide and education to any preferred course at anytime (Board of Regents, 2010).

In 1892, University of Wisconsin has demonstrated that education does not have to be within the traditional classroom. In our present time, a new vehicle has been developed over decades to launch the way we teach to be considered non-traditional and obsolete (Jensen, 2006). This vehicle is called "Virtual Learning Environment" (VLE). It is a system designed to support learning in any educational setting. It is not considered to be used for distance learning, but to provide additional tools to educators delivering lessons within the classroom. This environment provides text, audio, video, flexible communications, news feeds, and more so information can be shared with anyone around the world.

The tool has and continues to make a significant impact on how we teach. The traditional lecturer is replaced by interactive activities that encourage students to remain engaged in the classroom. The way we learn has changed and the way educators train and teach has evolved due to Virtual Learning Environment.


Works Cited
Jensen, B. (2006), "History and Future of Course Management Technology", Retrieved August 8, 2010 from http://www.trinity.edu/rjensen/290wp/290wp.htm

Board of Regents (2010), "Introduction to the University of Wisconsin", Retrieved Agust 8, 2010 from http://www.uwex.edu/about