The SUBR Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Project, referred to here as the SU-VLE project was originated from a Louisiana Board of Regents grant entitled “A Model of K-20 Online Professional Development (OPD): Integrating Open Source Software and Open Content Repositories in support of the scholarship of online teaching and learning and campus transformations. The primary goals of the project were to (1) build infrastructure and support for the adoption of Open Solutions and Web 2.0 technologies in Louisiana, and in particular at Southern University; (2) Designing quality online courses using Open Solutions and Web 2.0 technologies, that will be peer reviewed for quality control and; (3) provide innovative faculty development laboratories focusing on the pedagogical integration of virtual learning environments to improve students’ learning outcomes. The VLE laboratories enable faculty to experiment with web-based technologies and also provide faculty fora to discuss the scholarship of online teaching and learning to enhancelearning outcomes. The VLE faculty development programs include focuses on:

Provide workshops and webinars series focusing on - the scholarship of teaching and learning with particular focus on best practices for using open solutions and e-learning resources authoring

Learning design for online course delivery

Development and field-testing of quality online courses using new web technologies

Improve state-wide expertise in the adopting and deployment of Open Soluions for economic development & Technology transfer

Funding: Louisiana Distance Learning SELECT Program - LA-DL-SELECT