Firefly

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a computer-based system that allows teachers and pupils to share files, work and ideas online. At Archbishop Temple our VLE is supported by Firefly and we believe the platform offers a rich and diverse learning environment which supports pupils on their personal learning journey in school and at home.

The VLE offers teachers the opportunity to share a wide range of electronic resources with their groups, both to help pupils prepare for upcoming lessons, "flip learning" and to help them consolidate learning in the form of home learning tasks, independent study and/or exam preparation. These resources include teacher designed material, online textbooks, past papers and audio visual material. It also allows pupils to upload digital assignments including video and audio files, creative projects and Word based programmes for assessment by their teacher and where relevant, their peers. Teachers of differing classes can also pool resources and share best practice and pupils can access materials directly in the event of absence. Specifically designed forums allow teacher and pupil to interact individually or in groups in a controlled environment, sharing ideas and questions remotely outside of the school day.

The VLE promotes independent study and utilises all of the benefits of modern technologies to engage pupils in learning outside of the traditional classroom context. Each pupil is issued a unique password which gives them access to specific areas of the VLE relevant to their age and stage. Each department in school has an area for the sharing of learning materials and content and all teachers have their own individual area for specific lesson support, group forums and one to one contact. Pupils and teachers can access the school VLE in school and remotely, wherever they have Internet access.

Firefly VLE