Abstract: Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) provide learners the notation of learning without boundary. Using VLEs poses important educational issues for learning institutions. Without addressing the issues of meaningful learning, their use can compound the mistakes of the earlier period and leave the learner with a inactive, un-engaging experience leading to learning without content and context. System designers need to recognize that learning is a social process and that providing an effective learning environment which facilitates the active acquisition of subject-specific and general expertise, and addresses the need to adopt a specific subject or professional culture, requires more than electronically delivered course notes and email discussion. Quality of learning environment design, use of appropriate tools and the context in which learning takes place are prime factors affecting success in the era of knowledge and lifelong learning. In the presentation, tasks of a virtual learning environment would be proposed. Based upon effective and meaningful learning, ideas of using virtual learning environment would be presented and evaluated according to the criteria of effective and meaningful learning.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Hung-Jen Yang (born in 1961 in Taipei, Taiwan) is the Director of Center for Instructional & Learning Technology of National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan. He got master degree from University of North Dakota in Industrial Technology major at 1989 and Dr. Degree from Iowa State University in Industrial Education and Technology major at 1991.
From 1991 to 1994, he served as associated professor at Ping-tong teachers' college. In the same period time, he also took the job of computer center director. From 1994 till now, he is working as professor in the department of industrial education and took several different administration jobs. In the semester year of 2003, he was invited as a visiting professor at University of North Dakota, USA. Since 1994 till now, Dr. Yang has already done 25 National Science Council supported projects. His research is focused on both areas of technology education and educational technology.