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 terms

The term, managed learning environment, contains some ambiguity since the first word, managed, could grammatically refer to either learning or environment. MLE is a tool designed to create a managed environment for learning. On the contrary, management of one's learning is a task of educational service providers, learners, or both, and not MLE's.

Versus VLE

A 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, on the web, and/or using some hybrid approach.

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

In comparison with MLR, a virtual learning environment, as a term, contains even more ambiguity. According to Wikipedia,

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.

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 service providers in the United States tend to use one term, learning management system (LMS), while the academia prefers another term, a 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, but practices rarely support that point since the terms are used interchangeably.

Other terms used

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). They may or may not have the same meaning as MLE.

Software

The software behind MLE can be called campusware, courseware, or learning management software; however, no unified terminology exists and other terms can be in use.

Off-the-shelf

This group includes both off-the-shelf ready-to-use software packages and already-functioning cloud based solutions such as Adobe Captivate, Blackboard, Canvas LMS, D2L, Docebo, Moodle.com and MoodleCloud, etc.

Ready-to-assemble

This group includes open-source projects like Moodle, Sakai LMS, etc.

Individually-built

This group includes the software that is developed for individual needs of educational service providers. CNM Cloud is an example of individually-assembled software with individually-built federated services.

Features

The MLE users are assigned their IDs. The system-user roles commonly vary from learners to learning administrators. Learning administrators access what learners access and, additionally, can create or modify the structure and/or content, as well as are able to track learners' performance.

Standalone application

Simple MLEs may have been built on a standalone application, most likely, some comprehensive package of learning management software, which would include assessment, collaboration, communication, curriculum delivery, learner tracking, and library tools as either add-ons or core features.

Federated services

Components

Any MLE is a set of teaching and learning tools, or components, designed to enhance a student's learning experience. Nonetheless, every set of those components is usually unique and depends on individual needs.

Assessment tools

Collaboration tools

Threaded discussions

Communication tools

Electronic communication (e-mail, chat)

Curriculum delivery tools

The principal curriculum delivery tools include:

Curriculum mapping, which breaks the curriculum into sections or topics that could be assigned and assessed;
Curriculum resources, which may include internal web publishing and/or links to external sources usually published in the World Wide Web outside the MLE.

E-portfolio tools

Hands-on training tools

Learner tracking tools

Learner progress

Libraries

Availability

Where

Fully-functioning MLE's services shall be accessible both on and off-campus. This feature enables MLE's clients to deliver educational services to both traditional onsite learners and those who cannot regularly visit the campus due to geographic restrictions.

When

With regard to their time availability, fully-functioning MLE's services can be divided in two parts:

Asynchronous services don't require the customers to participate in real time. These services include examinations, pre-recorded lectures, forum and most of project contributions, etc. These services shall be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Synchronous services require their customers to participate in real time. These services include live webinars, seminars, lectures, etc.

Interoperability

Two international standards that allow moving learning materials from one system to another one are:

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), which allows for import and export the learning content; and
Question and Test Interoperability (QTI), which is the standard for assessments.