A VLE will normally work over the Internet and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students' work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs, RSS and 3D virtual learning spaces. VLEs are often used in schools and other educational establishments in order to make the learning experience more interactive.

While originally created for distance education, VLEs are now most often used to supplement traditional face to face classroom activities, commonly known as Blended Learning. These systems usually run on servers, to serve the course to students Multimedia and/or web pages.

This book is your ultimate resource for Virtual learning environments (VLE). Here you will find the most up-to-date information, analysis, background and everything you need to know.

In easy to read chapters, with extensive references and links to get you to know all there is to know about Virtual learning environments (VLE) right away, covering: Virtual learning environment, ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy, Aleks, ANGEL LMS, Apex Learning, ATutor, Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee, Blackboard Inc., Blackboard Learning System, CALICO (consortium), CCNet (Course Management System), Chamilo, Claroline, Classical Genetics Simulator, Coggno, Collaba, CONFER (software), CourseWork Course Management System, CyberExtension, Democrasoft, Desire2Learn, Digication, DoceboLMS, E-learning, E-scape, ECollege, ECollege (LMS), Edu-sharing, EFront (eLearning software), ELML, Ereport, Evisors, Faculty Authoring Development Program and Courseware Authoring Tools Project, Fedena, Firefly Solutions, FirstClass, GeoLearning, Stephen Gilfus, GradeGuru, Grieg Music Education, Grockit, Gyrus Systems, Hong Kong Virtual University, HotChalk LMS, HyperCourseware, ILIAS, IMARK, IMS Learning Design, IPer, It's learning, Knowledge Forum, Knowledge Machine, KnowledgeWeb Project, LAMS, Learndirect, The Learning Place, LearningNI, LearningSpace, Lectora, Lectureshare, MAPS (software), Math-Bridge, Meridian Knowledge Solutions, Metacoon, Microsoft Bookshelf, Microsoft Semblio, Moodle, OLAT, Plateau Talent Management Suite, Quest Learning and Assessment, Rcampus, Revolution Prep, Saba Software, Sakai CLE, Sakai Project, Scantek, Sclipo, Sharable Content Object Reference Model, Simple learning design 2.0, Spider (portal), Stanford Learning Lab, Studywiz, The Values Exchange All Schools Project, The Word and the World, TICCIT, UK Online Centres, Ultranet (product), Veritas Prep, Virtual Collaborative Learning, Virtual school library, Web-based teaching materials, WebCT, WebCT Vista, WebStudy Learning LMS, WePapers, Wikiversity.

This book explains in-depth the real drivers and workings of Virtual learning environments (VLE). It reduces the risk of your technology, time and resources investment decisions by enabling you to compare your understanding of Virtual learning environments (VLE) with the objectivity of experienced professionals.