Tools in the Online Learning Environment

The tools available in different learning environments will vary. The tools that any tutor chooses to use will also vary between different programmes and modules. However most learning environments will have a common core set of tools that can be used to support learning, communication, and collaboration. Some examples of these tools include:

Resources 

Resources might be simple web-links, embedded videos, audio, and PDF files as well as downloadable Word, PowerPoint or Excel files. Sometimes more sophisticated resources such as interactive elearning packages may be launched from within the learning environment.

Forums

Forums allow students to answer questions, ask questions and post replies and comments. They are usually connected to email accounts so that messages are sent to all subscribers.

Communication tools

In addition to forums, some learning environments have separate messaging tools and these can be used for one-to-one or group communication.

Assessment tools 

These tools might be assignment upload and marking tools, interactive quizzes and other graded activities. There may even be options for peer assessment and grading.

Collaboration tools 

Some learning environments may have tools that allow students to work with each other to collaboratively edit and build shared resources. For example in Moodle there is a Wiki and a Glossary tool that allow students to author shared content.

Achievement & Progress 

Some systems will indicate when you have completed a task e.g. with a tick. Other systems may reward you with micro-accreditation such as an electronic badge. Sometimes you may automatically be issued with a certificate of completion when you complete a series of tasks. 

Preferences 

The individual user may be able to adjust, edit, and tweak the settings within the learning environment to change how information is displayed, for example to change editor features and options.

You will experience and make use of some of these tools and others during your studies.

"Spend an hour just exploring the learning environment pages and another hour reading over the student handbook (yes, seriously). So many questions could easily be self-answered if these things were done." Aisha, 1st-year student