Hostname: page-component-74656f9884-rngvg Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-04T10:13:16.385Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Role of a VLE in the Teaching of Political Concepts and Reasoning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Chik Collins ,
Brian Slocock  and
Lucy Hughes
Chik Collins*
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences, University of Paisley, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland
Brian Slocock*
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences, University of Paisley, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland
Lucy Hughes*
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences, University of Paisley, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland
*
E-mail: chik.collins@paisley.ac.uk
E-mail: brian.slocock@paisley.ac.uk
E-mail: lucy.hughes@paisley.ac.uk
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This article reports the results of a small-scale research project on the role of a virtual learning environment (VLE) in the teaching of political concepts and reasoning in the fourth year of a Scottish honours degree programme. It suggests that here the kind of dynamic facilitated by traditional face-to-face seminar discussions is very important, but not easy to recreate in the VLE. Nonetheless, students find at least significant complementary learning opportunities in the VLE. Where possible, a combination of formats seems appropriate.

Keywords

politicsteachingvirtual learning environmentsVygotsky

Information

Type
Teaching and Training
Information
European Political Science , Volume 5 , Issue 2 , June 2006 , pp. 209 - 219
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 European Consortium for Political Research

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Engeström, Y. (1987) Learning by Expanding: An Activity-Theoretical Approach to Developmental Research, Helsinki: Orienta-Kosultit OyGoogle Scholar
Van der Veer, R. and Valsiner, J. (1990) Understanding Vygotsky: A Quest for Synthesis, Oxford: BlackwellGoogle Scholar
Vygotsky, L.S. (1978) Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes, London: Harvard University PressGoogle Scholar