I was very surprised by the number of questions that suggested a real lack of understanding of VLEs and e-Portfolios etc.

I’m not claiming to know everything but how about looking at the relevant sections on my website? There are quite a number of schools and Authorities who are doing exemplary work with their VLEs.

BTW at my last count there are at least 25 different VLEs being used in schools apart from the DIY Moodlers.

Glow Groups on the other hand is something of a misnomer. I prefer to call them a virtual workplace in that they can be set up to provide all the elements of a workplace, resources either through the VLE, file store or weblinks, discussion area, project or work management, live discussion through chat or video conferencing and much more. This then allows active learning with pupils doing their own research and information sifting, documenting their approach and outcomes, collaborating, using their initiative, all closely guided adn monitored by the teacher but as facilitator not dictator. I am glad to say that many of the teachers I have trained do see the virtues of this approach to learning and it is a small minority who reject it even as a desirable goal.