Evolving Web-based delivery: managing the transition from VLE's designed by academics to commercial VLE's, the post-graduate experience

Abstract

One educational development approach at Liverpool John Moores University (JMU) from its business school (LBS) is that of supported virtual learning environments (VLE) to complement traditional teaching. This paper focuses on recent work at LBS concerning a Masters module that has had its VLE support progressively developed since 1998. Module delivery is flexible in that it is variably credit rated and can be studied in full-time, part-time and distance modes. The approach used in the delivery of the module has facilitated the examination of module/programme support development possibilities on the Web from academic, quality and commercial perspectives as well as the cybernetic and evolutionary nature of learning. In 2001 a commercial VLE, Blackboard, replaced the previous VLE (designed by academics). A feedback model is developed here to inform the evolved development of student support Web sites. An exploration of student attitudes and perceptions to the evolved new technology and factors related to the learning strategies adopted by students and student learning styles have been used to inform an over-pinning LBS and university strategy of a Web supported teaching and learning environments.