Learning Platforms

A previous post highlighted the VLE conundrum - when is a VLE not a VLE. Within the UK the spectre of VLEs in schools and colleges was, at one time, clear. Nowadays the buzzword is all about "learning platforms" so is this just another case of "re-inventing the wheel" or is it something more profound?

If you are wanting to know more, a range of information and some publications on this topic are now available on the Becta website in the UK. These include:

• Learning platforms and personalised learning: an essential guide (a PDF download);
• What is a learning platform?
• What are the main benefits of a learning platform?
• Funding for your learning platform
• Providing a personalised learning space
• Preparing for a learning platform
  
• Functional requirements and technical specifications (file download in Word and PDF)
• Learning platform case studies

Browsing through this material provides some insight into current developments in the UK and benefits for teachers and educators, students and pupils as well as leaders and managers.

Whatever perspective you are from, this information should help you become more informed but don't expect to find all the answers!

Wikipedia and student research

Writing in the Education Guardian this week, John Sutherland discusses the use of Wikipedia as a resource for research and the potential pitfalls of assuming all content is authorative. He makes the points well and goes on to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of resource for any form of research activity by students.

The debate about the content of Wikipedia has been running for a while. Like all "open" sources of information on the internet, there has always been the possibility that entries from contributing authors may be unreliable and biased.

In his piece, John Sutherland highlights the key and invaluable role of an author in the "wiki" enterprise and he argues conincingly that teachers should establish clear protocols for their students so they are aware that such content may be unbalanced and lack authenticity.

This is another timely reminder about a key role for all educators involved with new technologies. We all need to ensure that today's e-learners use such sources with a "wise head"!