Virtual Learning Environment

The purpose of this project was to find and implement a new virtual learning environment to replace the system that was in use since the early 90s. The new environment was chosen and delivered under the principle that it would enhance learning and teaching and re-establish our place as a sector leader in innovation in e-learning.

To access the VLE, you can log-in using your University details by clicking here. 

We are delighted to announce the University of Wolverhampton is strategically partnering with Instructure to deliver the new Virtual Learning Environment – “Canvas”.
 
Canvas is designed to meet the teaching and learning requirements of modern students, teachers and institutions. With personalised notifications and tight integration with myWLV it allows students and educators to engage with each other in environments they’re familiar with, such as mobile and social networks.
 

  • Subject to successful contract negotiations, the contract for supplying the VLE will go to Instructure (Canvas).

  • Early adopters who will be using the new VLE for Learning & Teaching this coming academic year (2016/17) have been identified and are aware they are the first to be using the new VLE.

  • All other Learning & Teaching modules will be using the new VLE for the academic year 2017/18.

  • Training scheduling for early adopters is underway, and training activities for everyone throughout the next 18 months and onwards, will be announced shortly.

  • The VLE Project is progressing well and following formal scoring of the Tender responses, a shortlist of three suppliers to engage in User Evaluation has been produced.
  • More information about the VLE shortlist can be found in Issue 5 (February 2016) of the Digital Campus e-Newsletter.
  • A user evaluation panel of over 35 people drawn from the professional services, academic community and students are currently in process of scoring the submissions to determine who the successful supplier will be.
  • Details of the successful supplier can be shared with the University community during April.
 

  • Following the Tender submission deadline on Wednesday 16th December 2015, five VLE system providers passed the Tender qualification process enabling them to progress to further evaluation activities.

  • On Wednesday 6th January 2016, multidisciplinary academic and support staff started to undertake formal scoring of the Tender responses.

  • Areas being scored include fitness for learning and teaching needs, usability, technical suitability, implementation and management, supplier relationship and on-going support.

  • The formal scoring process will conclude in February 2016.

  • The outcome of the formal scoring will be the creation of a shortlist of three products, in preparation for User Evaluation activities where students, academic and support staff will make direct use of the systems and inform the final selection.

  • Fahri Zihni, has been appointed as the VLE Project Manager and we welcome his expertise having lead a similar project at Aston University.

  • Since publishing the VLE Invitation to Tender (ITT) on Monday 2nd November 2015, expressions of interest continue to be received.

  • Wednesday 16th December 2015 is the Tender submission deadline.

  • The official scoring process will take place in January 2016, with representation from academic and support staff.

  • This will be followed by user evaluation activities throughout February and March 2016, which will also include student participation.

  • Volunteers for the early adoption of the new VLE in 2016/17 are currently being evaluated and finalised.

  • Full implementation of the new VLE will take place for start of teaching 2017/18.

  • Work continues to progress to define migration and training approaches.

  • On Monday 2nd November 2015, the VLE Invitation to Tender (ITT) was published.

  • We are currently receiving interest from suppliers.

  • A VLE supplier day was held on Friday 13th November 2015, which gave suppliers an opportunity to enquire about elements of the tender and to find out more about the University.

  • Evaluation-related events are being finalised as part of the user evaluation part of the procurement process.

  • Early adopters to deliver their courses in the new VLE from start of teaching 2016/17 are being identified.

  • The next Project Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 25th November 2015.

  • Two Project Board meetings have taken place, which have actively been overseeing the progression of the project.

  • The next Project Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 27th October 2015.

  • The procurement (by formal tender) is being prepared for publication late October/early November 2015.

  • There have been two Faculty briefings with focus on the VLE Project (among other Digital Campus foundation projects). Other Faculties and Service Departments briefings are currently being scheduled.

  • Details of the user evaluation elements of the tender process will shortly be released.

  • Nominations for 'early adopter' courses for the first stage of implementation following the tender are being sought from Faculties.

  • Engagement has taken place with the Academic Reference Group, and discussions have been positive and supportive.

  • No product has yet been selected.

  • The procurement process to select a new VLE begins in September 2015.

  • Early adopters will begin using the new platform from September 2016.

  • Full migration is expected to be complete by September 2017.