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

The term, managed learning environment, contains some ambiguity since the first word, managed, could refer to either learning or environment. A more proper term would probably be managed environment for learning, but no unified practice exists at the moment of creating of this text.

Versus VLE

Virtual learning environment (VLE) can be considered a subsystem of MLE. Literally, MLE assumes a wider infrastructure and/or a wider scale than VLE. For instance, VLE tends to be web-based, whereas MLE can be hosted locally.

More importantly, the term, VLE, suggests virtual or remote learning. In the meanwhile, MLE may refer to both virtual and onsite training including the physical environment such as laboratory or apprentice workplace in which learning takes place.

Versus LMS

Presumably, MLE is bigger than a learning management system (LMS), which is supposed to deal with formal training only. However, this meaning difference is rarely the case.

Geographic differences affect usages of these two terms greater than literal meanings. In the United States, LMS is used more frequently than in Europe. The Europeans tend to use MLE and VLE particularly because the acronym, LMS, in Europe usually stands for library management system. In the United States, this system is commonly called integrated library system (ILS).

Versus CMS

Traditionally, the corporate training services in the United States tend to use the learning management system (LMS) term for MLEs, whereas the academia prefers either course management system (CMS). However, based on the meaning, CMS shall support standalone courses, whereas LMS shall also support learning throughout various courses and pure assessments outside of any courses. Presumably, MLE shall be wider than either course management system or learning management system.

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