Introduction

This is a course designed to help senior leaders gain greater value from their VLE. The emphasis will be on you understanding the range of opportunities afforded by the VLE and on understanding different models of implementation. You will:

• create a clear picture of the place of the VLE within your school at the beginning of the course
• look at background readings and examples of how VLEs are used, discussing these with other members of the course
• develop the plan for implementation in your school.

You will need to:

• recognise how your school is presently planning to use the VLE
• collate a set of information such as who your VLE provider is, what training and support they offer, the role of the local authority and the training plan for staff in your school.

The reflective cycle

Vital courses are based on a cycle of professional reflective practice as shown in the diagram below.

This cycle draws on, and develops, personal and professional knowledge bases. The latter may be seen in the literature, resources, policies and other materials that are used to inform practice.

Throughout the course small icons will indicate the stage of the cycle being addressed.

NB Prof/Pers KB = Professional/Personal knowledge base