After several months of careful investigation and comparisons, the University has adopted Blackboard as its preferred Virtual Learning Environment.
A Virtual Learning Environment(VLE) is a piece of software for on- line course delivery. As well as providing easy access to course content on-line, a VLE can provide a rich learning environment for students both on- and off-campus. It can integrate different aspects of teaching and learning, including course documents, timetables, news, lectures, assessment, feedback, and student-to- student contact, so helping to create a holistic student experience.
A VLE allows students to study at a time convenient to them. It can provide a 'virtual community' for course participants which permits collaborative learning and teamwork, and can help overcome the fragmentation and isolation which can result from students being unable to attend university on a 9-to-5 basis. It offers improved course and student management and can reduce the effort required for these activities.
The University has received funding from the SHEFC under its Knowledge Economy Task Force Initiative which will allow several staff to be put in place to support and develop the VLE over the coming three years. Various departments spanning all Faculties are keen to get started with Blackboard, and pilot projects will be running in the coming session.
A VLE also has potential for administrative purposes, and can be used to deliver staff development courses and to enhance links with overseas institutions. These too will be investigated in liaison with the VLE team.
The full report on the University's choice of a VLE is available via http://www.dundee.ac.uk/academic/
More information on Blackboard is at http://www.blackboard.com/