Use of Virtual Learning Environments in Distance Education

Abstract

Distance education has changed as it has become more popular with the advancement of new informational technologies and the need for continuous lifelong professional development. Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are the current trend in distance education. VLEs are software programs or systems designed to assist teaching and learning in an educational setting (e.g., Learning Management Systems, Personal Learning Environments, Massively Multiplayer Educational Games (MMEG), and Virtual Worlds). Learning Management Systems are used in many distance education and blended learning courses, but Massively Multiplayer Educational Games and virtual worlds are seen as the future of distance education. Research has shown that recreational Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG), like World of Warcraft, teaches players important life skills, for example, teambuilding, communication, and leadership skills. Players also can learn about economics, social skills, math, and science. One of the interesting components that comes from MMORPGs is the learning culture that is created around these games. Players create new ways to build and share knowledge both online and in real life that educators would like to use to create the classrooms and workplaces of the future. MMEG and virtual worlds take learning to a whole new level by allowing students to experience things that may not be possible in real life. Educators are currently using these 3D VLEs as classrooms, laboratories, places to test entrepreneurial skills, and experiment with skills such as architecture. The possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the educator.