Virtual learning environment review guide launch
When an institution decides to review their VLE, is there more to it than just looking at the platform?
Yes. There really is.
Jisc has been running VLE reviews by the Advice Team since 2018. The VLE has often been a constant presence in TLA for learners, students and staff. How can an institution best understand the importance and effectiveness of their VLE?
There are many possible reasons that can contribute to a VLE’s success. Understanding how each impacts user experience, engagement and effectiveness is key. There will be different groups of people that have an opinion and essential insight. Different systems or processes that affect access. As said at the top of this page, there is way more to an effective review than just looking at the platform itself. Challenges found with VLEs are often due to users’ digital practices, procedures or user confidence.
The virtual learning environment review guide has been designed to give institutions defined steps in how to better understand what is needed from a VLE, and how best to review it. Each stage is a step through the process with suggested activities and points to consider. It is aimed at helping the institution find the right questions to ask when considering the use of the VLE.
The review methods within the guide are tried and tested in the years of running VLE reviews with Jisc members and customers. We have divided the tools and guidance into different stages of a review process. These stages each have a specific role in getting the most out of a VLE review.
- Foundation setting
- Discovery
- Defining
- Ideation – recommendations and next steps
- Actions: finishing the review and reporting the findings
What the guide won’t say
No suggestion will be made as to which platform is ‘best’, or which best suits your needs. Many of the VLE platforms available today are equally capable of supporting and enhancing teaching, learning and assessment. Each organisation will have different needs from a technical and user perspective.
Reviewing a VLE is not always about finding answers, it’s more about deciding on the right questions an institution should ask of its platforms, digital practices and procedures.
Being equitable about providers and brands allows a review to be more impartial and honest. The most honest reviews are the most accurate and effective.
Whether running an internal review or using it as part of a booked Jisc VLE review, the guide can provide useful signposting to areas of VLE use that have been key in previous reviews run with Jisc members and customers.
If you are interested in speaking to the Jisc Advice Team about reviewing your VLE, speak to your Jisc relationship manager who can book an online meeting.
