AmbiLearn: Multimodal Assisted Learning

Virtual Learning Environments

The term ‘technology enhanced learning’ is used to cover all methods of using technology as a foundation for learning such as: m-learning, e-learning and web-based learning. O’Malley et al. (2003, p.1), define m-learning as “any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies.” Similar to this, e-learning can be defined as electronic learning where the learning is based upon some form of technology including, but not limited to, mobile technologies. All these concepts can encompass the use of the VLEs. In the UK most if not all of the further and higher education institutes are using a VLE such as Blackboard or Moodle. In this context the VLE is providing opportunities for distant learners, access to course content at any location, any time. Students can catch up on missed lectures/classes, submit assignments and receive feedback at any time. This style of usage enables students to be in constant contact with the course and collaborate with other class members with for example chat boxes and open forums. JISC (2009) provide a comprehensive study of the different uses of virtual learning environments in higher education across multiple disciplines such as economics, medicine, dentistry, business, management and health science. Testimonials from both staff and students indicate high levels of satisfaction with the learning process and many suggest the results indicate a significant improvement in student learning. With each environment suited to a particular domain, it is not easy to identify which learning environment has most educational potential. A common theme amongst each is the method of providing the pedagogical content which makes it effective. An investigation of interactive multimodal learning suggests that “the most effective learning environments are those that combine verbal and non-verbal representations of the knowledge using mixed-modality presentations” (Moreno & Mayer, 2007). Since 2005 Becta has referred to the VLE as a ‘learning platform’ which suggests a greater emphasis on the presentation of content (Berry, 2005). The different presentation style of pedagogical content can be deemed as the critical feature needed for VLEs to be appropriate for children, supporting both auditory and visual learning styles, as demonstrated by the use of educational games.