Virtual Learning in Independent Schools
For some years now the independent education sector has widely acknowledged the fact that technology has become an intrinsic part of modern living, and should therefore form a fundamental part of a child’s education. The next step forward for many independent schools is that computers cease to be isolated from other subjects and become a valuable teaching and learning tool through the introduction of Virtual Learning Enviroments (VLEs) – a one-stop site, through which schools can manage and share online learning resources and assessment.
Virtual Learning Environments have been around in various forms since the end of the 1990s, and, with the ever-increasing functionality of the Internet, the possibilities for the technique are growing. Independent Schools Marketing is able to seamlessly integrate its specially designed and user-friendly VLE when designing new websites for independent schools.
The applications for the VLE are very exciting and range from straightforward content sharing capabilities, to an environment where all homework assignments are posted by teacher and pupil alike, where pupil reports and grades are made available to parents. There are many reasons why this new method of teaching and learning is worth the investment of time, money and skills. Practically, VLEs can help children catch up on missed work, speed up their assessment, and monitor deadlines. They can also be employed in activities such as producing a school magazine, and in coordinating many other extra-curricular activities more effectively.
The team at Independent Schools Marketing can help you achieve your goals. Our company was purpose-built for the task, designed to assist your sector specifically. Whether it’s an online parental survey, or assessing the effectiveness of your website or a full rebrand, we can help you identify where your school can get ahead, and turn its ethos into an identity which speaks volumes.
Studies suggest that developing VLEs alongside face-to-face social interaction can marginally increase test results, but, more importantly, improve the home-school learning partnership. They enable home computers to be integrated into the school’s system, making individual access to a technology-centred curriculum a reality without added software or hardware costs. Independent Schools Marketing is examining how independent schools which are seeking to develop close partnerships with maintained sector schools could use VLEs as a mechanism for sharing lesson content. When faced with the hurdles established by the Charities Commission for demonstrating public benefit, independent schools are excited by the potential for sharing lessons and access to specialist expertise and coaching for university entrance with their partner schools in the maintained sector.
When used well VLEs provide plenty of content and are more than just a dumping ground for files. They contain skilfully crafted and carefully designed course programmes, borne out of careful planning and imagination. Independent Schools Marketing recommends schools to start small when developing a VLE, in order to build up on-site expertise and embed the VLE approach into the curriculum, rather than “bolt it on”. The point is to complement the existing teaching and learning programmes, and, in order to maintain their effectiveness, the approach must be constantly assessed to ensure that it continues to enhance the quality of learning.
A VLE is nothing if it goes unused by the people it was intended to serve, which means that provision must be made to provide internet or computer access at home and in school for boarders. Virtual Learning Environments provide more opportunities to engage with your pupils, so developing one now with the expertise of Independent Schools Marketing is an investment in the future which can only enrich your pupils’ education.