Using a virtual learning environment to manage group projects: A case study

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are increasingly used by Higher Education Institutions to manage and enhance teaching and learning, and research. Discussion, chat, scheduling, and other collaboration tools make VLEs especially useful systems for designing and managing complex group projects. In the spring semester of 2006, students at the University of Limerick used a pilot version of the Sakai VLE to collaborate on a group project, which required them to design a piece of e-learning courseware. They uploaded their e-learning course onto Sakai, and evaluated the Sakai system as part of a module on Information Management and Content Production. Their evaluation reports demonstrated high expectations of the VLE, intolerance of technical glitches, but a positive overall response to the system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)