Training the teachers: virtual learning – real benefits?

Learning Environments (VLEs) are now in widespread use in British Universities (Ward, Gordon et al. 2001; Browne and Jenkins 2003). The University of Leicester first deployed the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment in May 2002. The School of Biological Sciences was an early adopter of the VLE and was the first to deploy an undergraduate module using online assessment. VLE usage is voluntary and at the discretion of the module convenor or Degree Teaching Team. In order to facilitate development of the VLE across the School of Biological Sciences, we conducted an audit of all module convenors by means of face-to-face interviews to complete a standardized questionnaire. [taken from introduction]