Tim’s Blog

I just wanted to make a response to one of Dan’s postings entitled “Evaluating Virtual Learning Environments for Special Needs Students”. In this posting Dan addresses the the use of virtual reality environments and their application is special needs classrooms as stated by Neale, Brown, Cobb and Wilson. Neale, Brown, Cobb and Wilson state that virtual learning environment should:
- encourage self-directed activity

- motivate student learning

- be representative of real world situations (as this will allow students to best achieve an outcome)

- provide a safe environment where students can experiment with actions and behaviours

- offer shared public experiences

- equalise physical abilities

(1999, p. 269).

I feel these aspects of a virtual learning environment should not only be the ones included in a special needs environment but they should be included in a mainstream classroom as well. This means that it is just as important for teachers to ensure that all students’ individual needs are being met and their differing learning styles are being catered for as well.