The things that I find strange is the slow uptake of the built in assessment facilities in our vle. You can set up essay style questions which when marked show you the exemplar answers so that you can award the marks correctly. Multiple choice assessments are massively underused at present. All subject areas could make use of this type of assessment and because it automatically marks the test, it would make their lives easier!

The 'things' that interest me most about e-learning within my context

The things that interest me the most about e-learning is its unpredictability. With the speed that technology evolves who knows where or what form e-learning will take!

What interest me.

I think that e-learning can break down barriers to learning for some pupils. There is massive potential to use the technology to engage our computer literate pupils. As well as the features available I have been looking at using online worlds to create virtual learning communities.

Anomolies

In theory all departments should be creating and using the features available to enhance learning. Wikis, forums, surveys, auto marking quizzes etc have all been used but not consistantly. Also an area of weakness is the pupils' interaction with the vle. If the individual subjects are not creating activities that use the technology then they have no reason to engage with it.

My vision for e-learning

My vision for e-learning is that it is viewed as a tool to enhance the learning experience of the pupils. I don't think that in a traditional school setting it can ever replace face to face teaching but some of the tools that are embedded in the platform can stimulate new thought and enjoyment for whichever topic is being studied.

Concerns or issues that I have about it.

As the learning platform is hosted externally it is sometimes affected by high levels of internet traffic or network failure. I would prefer the vle to be hosted internally and the firewall opened up to allow pupil access when at home. Doing this would provide a more reliable platform within the school.

How e-learning is presented or thought about within my own context.

We have had a virtual learning environment for 3 years now. I have recently been given the resposiblity for the strategic development of it. The platform serves 1500 staff and pupils and all departments in the school have their own area which they can set up learning facilities which are available through the platform. I was keen not to turn the vle into a duplicate 'shared files' area however not all departments are utilising the learning potential of this technology.