Virtual Learning Environment

Virtual Learning Environments, also known as Learning Management Systems, are a subset of Content Management Systems. These software systems provide a framework and tools for presenting topical information, collaboration, etc.

Virtual Learning Environments are usually web-based, either intranets and/or internets. Typically, a system administrator sets up a course and selects a variety of tools for the course moderator(teacher) to use. They might include webpages, announcements, assignments, chat rooms, discussion groups, drop box, email archive, help, membership, 'my workspace', news, quiz/test, resources, schedule, site info, syllabus, synoptic, etc. The course moderator can then use the tools to fill in the content for the syllabus, course schedules, and whatever.

Two free, open-source and popular Virtual Learning Environments are Moodle and Sakai.