Exploring the Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract

Education has traditionally been conducted face-to-face, with professors performing outstanding magisterial classes in front of the learners. During the centuries, students and professors have shared the same time and same space frame. Nowadays, things are quite different. Information Technology (IT) is a reality affecting the whole education system from primary school to post-graduate education. IT has a considerable impact on the learning providers, on the learning process itself and, of course, on any agent involved in the process. The aim of this article is to explore this fascinating new learning world. To do this, we discuss the following main two elements: the plethora of terms related to virtual learning and, the dimensions of a virtual learning environment. Finally, some suggestions are made for future research in this field.