Commonly Used Virtual Technologies in Educational Institutions

Virtual learning systems give educational institutions the ability to offer coursework and online degree programs to students irrespective of location and the devices used to access the LMS.  

FREMONT, CA :Technological advancements have brought on many improvements in teaching practices and student learning. With the introduction of new and enhanced educational technology and resources, the tech trends in education will continue. Many widely used virtual learning technologies and systems used in education enable new models of connected learning.

Advanced Educational Technology Tools and Trends

According to a study of more than 2,500 educators and administrators, three-quarters of all educators use technology to provide training on a regular basis. Technology is everywhere in today's connected schools, from interactive smart bulletin boards to virtual and augmented reality headsets to desktop and notebook computers.

Virtual Learning Environments and Learning or Course Management Systems

To offer online content, K-12 schools and colleges use a range of learning and course management programs. As colleges and schools integrate more distance education curriculum and degree programs into their 21st educational offerings, these systems have become an essential part of the learning experience.

With slight differences, the concepts are often used interchangeably. Virtual learning environments encompass both LMS and CMS systems. Here's a look at some of the most commonly used VLEs in K-12 schools, along with colleges and universities:

Moodle

Moodle is an all-in-one learning platform for educators and students that is available anytime, anywhere, on any device due to its mobile-friendly interface and cross-browser compatibility. Moodle is a free, open-source software platform with over 90 million users worldwide. More than 120 languages have been integrated into the software. Moodle is popular due to its low implementation costs in comparison with fee-based LMS services.

Blackboard

Educators can use off-the-shelf educational web-based server software to build virtual classes, manage courses online, or enhance on-campus course offerings with online materials. It also frequently offers purely online course content. Instructors can develop various learning modules for students to complete to progress in the class.

Canvas

Almost 3,000 colleges and school districts all over the world use cloud-based Canvas. Canvas is an open-source platform, similar to Moodle. It is operated on Amazon Web Services and gives students, and teachers access to various resources. Cell phones, tablets, and web browsers are all compatible with it.