Created by Raúl Mora Rodríguez, 2019
M04RTY PRODUCTIONS
MSc. Raúl Mora Rodríguez
English Teacher
Virtual Learning Environments
February 23rd ,2019
Introduction
“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important part”
- Bill Gates
For no one it is a secret that technology has change the way that people live every single day, since memorial times the human being has been able to understand the environment and all the things that surrounds it.
And how everything works, since that moment in the history of mankind when we create the first tool to help us to work and live every single day better, it was then when technology was born and since that moment the technology has just only grow in every aspect form the car industry and passing for all the fields in human history until get to the education field, that by the way it is important to say that is the most important aspect.
Technology has always played a very important role in education, the implementation of the technology has always been presented in the classrooms since years ago but sometimes with some relevant and small changes, but it is nowadays in the twenty first century that the technology has taken more importance and relevance worldwide, it is possible to find technology in every single place on earth.
In every single aspect of the human life technology has been always presented and in education it is not the exception, the constant use of technology has always been presented in the classrooms but with some small additions for example when the English teacher used to play tapes in the Stereos with Cassettes besides the VHS players and the Big Square TVs that most of the time were in the classrooms back in the old days. Since technology was introduced in the classrooms it only has chanced through the years just like any other field of the human being for example science, health and transportation.
For this reason, it is important to analyze all the possible ways to introduce technology in the classroom and VLE is a good way to do it.
What is a Virtual Learning Environment?
A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance a student's learning experience by including computers and the Internet in the learning process. According with the previous definition provided by (Rouse, 2011) , We can define that VLE are going to be all the important elements that we introduce to the class to simplify or use technology with students using online learning will introduce the opportunity to have more interactive classes and information that students are going to use to learn. Considering, that we live in digital world.
Characteristics
With the use of Virtual Learning Environments students and the teacher are going to be able to. (LEEDS, 2019)
- Students can access different sources of learning.
- Personalize students learning experiences.
- It can be used to design a class.
- It is possible to include Videos, Images, or even links.
- Students can create wiki tools.
- All the activities need to be linked with real life
Advantages
Using Technology in the Classroom allows you to experiment more in Pedagogy.
As an academic professional, you will learn more about how to effectively design and execute a class guided with technology. Whether it’s a dramatic change such as teaching with a flipped-classroom, or just adopting a single tool for a specific project or term, you’ll learn something new in modern academia. Being well-versed in technology can also help build your credibility with students, and even with fellow colleagues. (topthat.com, 2015)
According with the previous paragraph mentioned by topthat.com in which they make emphasis in one of the most relevant and important aspects about the implementation of technology in English as a Foreign Language Classrooms. And this point is that with the implementation of technology the classes are going to be more dynamic and interesting for the students. And for the teacher as well the access to information it is possible to say that is almost unstoppable. Because with a great access to the internet whatever teacher can figure the millions and millions of web sites available to find out information and practices for the students. For example, it is possible to find out practices about pronunciation with the consonants, vowels and rhythm that exist in English besides there are uncountable practices for grammar for the students.
We Live in a Digital World.
Neither you, nor your students, should go back to the 19th century when they walk into your classroom. Using technology in the classroom can prepare your students for a future deeply rooted in technology. (topthat.com, 2015)
According with the previous paragraph mentioned by topthat.com in which they mention textually “We live in a Digital World”. Right now, we live in the 21st century and the effect of the globalization it is been present in every single country and place of the world. And in every single aspect of the human life technology it is taking a good place. Education is not the exception to this new a globalized world, because the technology is being presented in almost every classroom worldwide turning education into this new globalized and technological world.
References
( 6 of March of 2015). Retrived from topthat.com: https://blog.tophat.com/6-pros-cons-using-technology-classroom/
LEEDS, U. O. (Directed). (2019). Introduction to Virtual Learning Environments [Movie].
Rouse, M. ( March of 2011). whatls?.com. Retrived from https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-learning-environment-VLE-or-managed-learning-environment-MLE
You are thoughful in your comments. I strongly believe that teachers need to be willing to insert technology in their classes. Especially, English teachers cannot be behind what is happing in society. We need to be courageous and get started using technological tools in our classes.
ResponderEliminarHello Raul, it is difficult to believe that you used a quote from someone famous like Bill Gates, who set the steps for many technological breakthroughs of our era, when you always refuse to mention people from the past. jajaja. But apart from that, I handshake the way think in terms of technology, technology might be super important but we teacher are the cornerstone of this discussion.
ResponderEliminarDear Raul,
ResponderEliminarYou used a very nice quote, the internet is a valuable tool that help students to engage in a new generations learning, as well helps the pupil’s motivation and teachers can use it to make class enjoyable. By adding characteristics, advantages and disadvantages help us to recognize point to be considered and benefits to implement in the classroom. Instructors need to take into account the globalization of 21st century and realized that is part of every one daily life.
Raul, I like your way of approaching technology for the classroom and for the sake of student learning. An interesting step that you can think of taking in the future is instructional design to provide a more solid base for your technological adventures.
ResponderEliminarEste comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.
ResponderEliminarWe live in a digital world.
ResponderEliminarThis was the phrase that made me reflect about different populations´ opportunities to experience the benefits of Virtual Learning.
I was reflecting in one of our partners ´blog that Virtual Learning is still an elite tool. There are geographical conditions, that have made difficult that - for example - indigenous populations have access and get benefits from this tool. The other aspect is the actual availability of technology in the educational environment of this type of populations.Rural areas in this country still face limitations to be connnected to the web and to have the technology required to experience Virtual Learning.
As a rural teacher this is one of my concernings.