About Virtual Learning Environments

An Overview and Introduction

The Learning Environment is the first place you should look for Programme and Module information, assessment guidelines and to access and review resources associated with the different topics studied. Often you can view or download documents, read information, watch videos, as well as, read and contribute to discussions in forums.

An Online Learning Environment, Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), or Learning Management System (LMS), is a web-based tool that allows educators to share information and resources with student learners. In addition they can be used for communication, collaboration and for assessment (testing). These learning environments are used to support face-to-face (traditional classroom, termed intensive at LSHTM), blended and wholly online and distance learning.

Some examples of learning environments include:



    All these tools can allow the tutor to track student progress and increasingly can be used to help provide data to highlight how engaged students are with their learning.  Universities, the LSHTM and UoLW included, are required to monitor student completion and attainment for audit purposes, as one measure of course evaluation.  In these circumstances, all data is confidential and annonymised so that students are never personally identified.      

    The learning environment will usually be integrated with other institutional systems that may include:

    • Programme, Module and student information systems
    • Lecture recording - in Panopto at LSHTM
    • video streaming systems - you might see Panopto, Zoom, Collaborate ultra and Vimeo used 
    • Assessment & Plagiarism detection 
    • Library reading lists - you will find yours labelled Leganto on your Module pages 

    • Portfolios