Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Review and Implementation

UL@Work is an initiative developed by UL and funded through the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) to deliver the enterprise priority set out in UL’s strategic plan - UL@50. UL@Work will build a flexible, technology-enhanced learning platform that responds to digitisation and the future world of work. There are seven work packages within the UL@Work initiative, the VLE review and implementation falling under work package two (WP2) ULive.   

The VLE review and implementation project aims to research select and implement an online learning platform to support:  

• The UL campus community for their online teaching, learning and assessment needs.  
• A VLE that aligns with the UL Strategic Plan to grow and improve UL’s national and international educational offerings.  

What does it mean for the UL community?

By the end of this project, UL will support one single VLE for all UL programs. The new VLE will be procured from suppliers approved within the HEA framework. UL’s new VLE will deliver significant teaching and learning improvements to the academic community and support best practice in pedagogy, methods, and technology. The VLE adopted by UL will be an out-of-the-box solution, with minimum customisation to address the functional requirements of UL’s academic community.  

Project update

The project is in the Mainstreaming & Close out Phase, status amber, due to tight delivery timelines. From January-June 2021 a first Phase VLE Review was carried out, engaging with the wider campus community, students, and other higher education institutions. The outcome from the Review was that Brightspace best meets UL’s requirements.  

In Phase 1 & 2 approx. 250 modules began using the new VLE Brightspace. All Modules of Sem1 2023/24 were running on Brightspace in September 2023 as planned and on time. Phase 4 will include delivery of all Sem 2 2023/24 Modules on Brightspace as well as post project process confirmation and close out.