Learning and Teaching with Virtual Learning Environments

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are becoming increasingly common in schools, and it is important for trainees to be equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to use them effectively to enhance learning. This book takes a thematic approach, examining all the key issues from designing and creating a VLE to using one to organise, moderate and assess pupil learning and even to develop resources for learning.

Helena Gillespie has worked in education for over 30 years, as a primary school teacher and leader, school governor, teacher trainer and university lecturer. More recently, she has taken up the role of Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Student Inclusion at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. This wide variety of roles reflects Helena’s ongoing commitment to education and has inspired her to take a special interest in equality and social justice.

Since 2016, Helena has been an active participant in UEA’s Aurora Network, a group of European and global universities with a special interest in societal change. As a result of this work, Helena has travelled extensively in Europe and North America, talking about how social justice and education can work together to improve lives.
 
When not writing, working or travelling, Helena enjoys gardening, swimming and walking and being educated by her children.

Helen Boulton has worked in teacher education for 5 years; prior to this she was an ICT Co-ordinator. She has a Masters in Educational management and is currently working towards her PhD.

Dr Alison Hramiak is a Senior Lecturer in Education at Sheffield Hallam University, (United Kingdom) working primarily in Teach First where she is the Regional Computer Science Subject Lead for Yorkshire and Humberside, and a Professional Tutor across all subjects. She also teaches on the Masters and Doctoral Courses at Sheffield Hallam. Her research interests include assessment and feedback, pedagogy and ICT - particularly Web 2.0 Technologies, and Digital Literacy. She has published books and papers on these topics, internationally and nationally and has presented her work at international and national conferences. She has co written and edited a number of books on education and is a member of the national committee for Information Technology in Teacher Education (ITTE). She is currently working on research involving the cultural adaptations of beginning teachers, and specialises in methodology as a tutor on the Hallam doctoral courses. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and regularly reviews for them, and for other international journals. She also writes regularly for the Guardian and Times Higher Educational Supplement.


Richard Williamson has been involved in teaching ICT for 10 years and has pioneered the introduction of VLEs in primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire. He has been involved in teacher education for 5 years and is working towards his Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Management.