What is the relationship between a portal and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)?
A VLE provides an online framework that supports the end-user in their learning activities within a particular pedagogic context. Typically, the VLE will provide support for the delivery of learning materials, learner assessment, collaborative tools, course registration, etc A VLE will normally also provide access to information resources that support the learner in their activities. In order to do this, the VLE may offer portal functionality directly, or may link to or import functionality from an external portal in some way. For example, the Blackboard Resource Centre offers portal functionality to users of the Blackboard VLE (both learners and tutors) to enable them to discover information and learning resources.
