Virtual+Learning+Environment

Institutions of higher education are increasingly embracing online education (Allen & Seaman, 2003), and the number of students enrolled in distance programs are on the rapid rise (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). E-learning has gained popularity in the workplace learning settings as well (Galvin, 2003). As institutions of higher education begin to embrace as well as debate online learning, it is important to envision where the field is headed (Bonk, 2002). Many scholars and instructors are advocating for next generation course management tools that move from warehousing students in online environments to engaging them in interactive and motivational activities (Ibid.) Although this information is a decade old, it demonstrates the direction in which education has been and is headed. There has been a trickle down effect from institutions of higher education into the K-12 system. As such, it will be imperative that this trend continues and grows as we move towards the future. The use of online coursework and the integration of technology will continue to grow exponentially.

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This image presents a visual representation of a Virtual Learning Environment. The VLE consists of elements of both formal and informal instructional sources. These sources combine to create the overall learning environment. This combination of formal and informal learning sources lends itself to the creation of the holistic learning. According to Wikipedia, holistic education can be defined as, "a philosophy of education based on the premise that each person finds identity, meaning, and purpose in life through connections to the community, to the natural world, and to humanitarian values such as compassion and peace. Holistic education aims to call forth from people an intrinsic reverence for life and a passionate love of learning" ("Holistic education," 2011, "Definition," para. 1.)

Most learning institutions do not posses the means to expose their students to these types of interactions in the physical world, however the VLE is the ideal vehicle to make such connections.

Next: Web Tools will examine some tools used in online education.