Building a Virtual School for the Future

Waltham Forest MLE - Fronter

Building a Virtual School for the Future

Waltham Forest MLE - Fronter

Welcome to the virtual

school

What is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)?

• A virtual learning environment (VLE) is an online set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance a student's learning experience.

• The time and place of learning is flexible

• Learning becomes increasingly more personalised with the learner at the centre.

What is a Managed Learning Environment (MLE)?

• The virtual learning environment is connected to the Schools Information Management System (SIMS)

• Data can be transferred from SIMS to the VLE e.g. names; courses; timetables, attendance data etc.

• Data can be transferred from the VLE to SIMS e.g. assessment data etc.

Why use a VLE/MLE?

• Anytime, anywhere learning• Non-judgmental learning experience• Collaborative learning tools• Flexible assessment – self-assessment;

peer-peer assessment; teacher-pupil assessment

• Staff and pupil resources are online• Supports improved communication

with stake holders and between staff

What are the challenges?• I don’t know how to use a VLE/MLE.• I don’t have access to a computer.• It’s not always easy to get to a computer.• Some of the pupils don’t have a computer at

home.• I don’t have enough curriculum time to use it in

my subject• I achieve excellent results in my subject without

using a VLE/MLE

Overcoming the challenges

• Teachers given time to develop VLE/MLE.

• All staff and pupils to receive training on why and how to use a VLE.

• Staff audit of access to a computer/laptop.

• Increased availability of laptops for teachers and pupils.

The ONS said that 93% of adults aged under 70 who had a university degree or equivalent qualification had internet access.

Introducing Fronter – London MLEWaltham Forest

Building

Walthamstow School for Girls

Holy Family Leytonstone School

Teaching and LearningBuilding

Administration Building

Staff Training

Humanities Corridor

Geography

History

Travel and Tourism

RE

Admin Corridor

School Calendar

Staff Bulletin

Features of the VLE/MLE

Whole school tools• School Calendar • My Calendar • Access to email • Staff and Student News • Online Resources • Sending messages • Online My Documents • Booking equipment

Features of the VLE/MLE

Teaching and Learning Tools• Resource folder • Hand-in folder • Fronter document • Test • Page • Learning Path • Forum

Proposed outcomes 2008/2009

• School news online• School calendar online• Online resources available for staff and pupils• All ICT lessons online• Some homework activities online• Some class-based learning and assessments

online• Increase in online communication• Availability of online forms