This document discusses and compares traditional and virtual learning environments in 3 paragraphs. Traditional learning occurs within the boundaries of a classroom with teachers communicating to many students using blackboards, whiteboards, and projectors. Virtual learning happens through the internet beyond fixed boundaries, with communication through web 2.0 technologies. Key aspects of virtual learning environments are instruction delivery by teachers, instruction acceptance by students, and social knowledge construction and exchange through web 2.0 software.

1. A Very Short Reflection
ON
VIRTUAL LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
By
T. Imam

2. Traditional Learning Environment
Learning happens within
Many the boundary of classroom
Students
Student 1 Communication
Student 2 Medium
.
. Blackboard
. Whiteboard
. Projector 1
.
Student
. Teacher
1 Teacher .
communicates
100 with many students by
traditional equipments
Class
Room

3. Virtual Learning Environment
Learning happens through Internet
Many
beyond fixed boundaries
Students
Student 1
Student 2
. Communication
. Medium
.
. Web 2.0 based 1
. Technologies
Student 100
Teacher
Internet

4. Virtual Learning Environment
Many
Students AND, Even MORE
Student 1 Many
Student 2 Teachers
. Communication
. Medium Teacher 1
. Teacher 2
. Web 2.0 based .
. Technologies .
Student 100 .
Students collaborate
To learn
Several Teachers can
collaborate to teach
Internet
Students & Teachers
collaborate mutually

5. Virtual Learning Environment
Key Aspects & Role Players
Instruction delivery
[[Teacher]]
Instruction acceptance
[[Student]]
Social knowledge construct & exchange
[[Web 2.0 based Software]]

6. Examples of Virtual Learning
Environment
} {
Moodle
Chamilo Open-source
System
Sakai
Proprietary Blackboard
System

7. Virtual Learning Environment
Benefits
Active participation by students
Knowledge exchange through collaboration
Cost effective learning
Disadvantages
Hard to assess effective learnings gained
Difficulties due to students' varied backgrounds

8. Some Readings & References
Preston, D. S. (2004). Virtual Learning and Higher Education.
Rodopi.
Weiss, J., Nolan, J., & Hunsinger, J. (2006). International
Handbook of Virtual Learning Environments. Springer.
Weller, M. (2007). Virtual Learning Environments: Using,
Choosing and Developing Your VLE. Taylor & Francis.
White, B., King, I., & Tsang, P. (2011). Social Media Tools and
Platforms in Learning Environments. Springer.