Managed learning environment

A managed learning environment (also known by its acronym, MLE; hereinafter, MLE) is a computer-based ecosystem that supports learning activities such as assessment, collaboration, communication, e-portfolio building, hands-on training, learning path tracking, on-the-job training, etc.

MLE and similar systems

MLE vs LMS vs CMS

Presumably, MLE shall be bigger than a learning management system (LMS), which usually deals with formal education only, as well as course management system (CMS), which shall support standalone courses, but, in the real world, all of those terms are used interchangeably.

MLE vs VLE

Two terms, MLE and virtual learning environment (VLE), represent similar concepts, but two differences are as follows:

1. VLE tends to be web-based, while MLE can be hosted locally.
2. VLE is designed for virtual or remote learning, while MLE is designed to support both virtual and onsite training.

A VLE can be considered a subsystem of an MLE, whereas MLE refers to the wider infrastructure of information systems in an organization that support and enable electronic learning on a wider scale. In fact a rather pedantic reading of the term MLE could be extended to encompass the physical environment in which learning takes place (i.e. a school).

Other terms

Listed alphabetically, similar terms also include e-learning system, learning content management system (LCMS), learning support system (LSS), managed learning platform (MLP), online learning centre (OLC), OpenCourseWare (OCW).

A more correct term may be a virtual environment for learning, rather than virtual learning environment. This removes any ambiguities and identifies that it is the environment which is virtual and not the learning. The term virtual may also contribute to confusion, suggesting that the learning is not real or authentic.

Becta, in the UK, have coined the term learning platform to cover both MLE and VLE as used in the schools sector. 'The term learning platform describes a broad range of ICT systems used to deliver and support learning. Through a learning platform, hardware, software and supporting services are brought together to enable more effective ways of working within and outside the classroom. At the heart of any learning platform is the concept of a personalized online learning space for the pupil. This space should offer teachers and pupils access to stored work, e-learning resources, communication and collaboration with peers, and the facility to track progress.'[3]

Features

They can be accessed both on and off-campus, meaning that they can support students' learning outside the lecture hall 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This enables institutions to teach not only traditional full-time students but also those who cannot regularly visit the campus due to geographic or time restrictions, e.g. those on distance learning courses, doing evening classes, or workers studying part-time.

There are different types of VLE, which all work slightly differently but ultimately perform the same function and can deliver the same learning materials. A Higher Education institution is likely to have a licence for a VLE that fits into any one of the following three categories:

? off-the-shelf, such as Blackboard

? open source (often free to use and adapt but support is charged for), such as Moodle

? bespoke (developed by institutions for their own individual needs)

VLEs are also known as Course Management Systems (CMS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS), among other names.

There are some international standards associated with VLEs which help to make content and assessments interoperable (i.e. they can be used in different types of VLE). The standard for content is called 'Sharable Content Object Reference Model' (SCORM) and the standard for assessments is called 'Question and Test Interoperability' (QTI).

See also

• https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Virtual_learning_environment
• https://tecfa.unige.ch/tecfa/publicat/dil-papers-2/Dil.7.5.18.pdf
• https://economicsnetwork.ac.uk/handbook/printable/vle_v5.pdf
• https://www.jisc.ac.uk/guides/technology-and-tools-for-online-learning/virtual-learning-environments
• http://academy.webinar.ru/glossary/virtual-learning-environment/
• https://fireflylearning.com/what-is-a-virtual-learning-environment-vle
• https://www.knowledgeanywhere.com/resources/article-detail/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-virtual-learning-environment
• https://online-learning.fandom.com/wiki/Virtual_Learning_Environment
• https://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/247473
• https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-learning-environment-VLE-or-managed-learning-environment-MLE