A Virtual Learning Process Environment and Comparison with Conventional E-Learning Systems

Abstract

Learning is a complex process; an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of learning processes can help to improve the formulations of effective methods, tools, and technologies to support and enhance learning through the effective management of learning processes. VLEs such as Moodle help facilitate the management of educational courses for students, in particular by helping lecturers and students with course administration. However, the management of the process of learning is inadequate. Once educational course materials are made available on the VLEs, analyses such as what students do with the course materials are difficult to observe in a real-time manner. Therefore, there is a need for the administration and management of the process of learning. This chapter presents a Virtual Learning Process Environment (VLPE) that is based on the Business Process Management (BPM) technology conceptual framework. In contrast to traditional e-learning systems, VLPE focuses on learning process management through the orchestration of flexible education pedagogies around course materials in the form of learning process workflows. Consequently, the effectiveness of any adopted pedagogy can be re-assessed, re-evaluated, and reformed by course designers with the potential to improve course design and learning outcomes.