A child-centred virtual learning environment

Blue Turtle Learning was an easy to use, fun and safe virtual learning environment (VLE), designed by children and teachers for children and teachers.

A dedicated space for primary school children to confidently learn, share, and socialise with one another, Blue Turtle Learning was securely accessible on any device, anywhere. It combined traditional teaching with modern e-learning strategies and best practices. The end result was a collaborative and unique experience, both within and beyond the classroom.

Corsham Primary School was in search of a secure, engaging, and empowering virtual learning environment for its pupils and teachers.

The school, located in Wiltshire, had previously benefited from the use of a VLE as part of a nationally offered initiative by the Labour government. However, with the conclusion of the free period and no additional funding available, the school needed an alternative that would meet its pupils' needs and offer a new way for children to learn. Digital Wonderlab was enlisted to find the solution.

We worked closely alongside Corsham Primary School’s teachers and children to co-create and co-develop Blue Turtle Learning - a bespoke VLE tailored to their specific learning needs.

Built using the latest .NET technologies, the platform was designed to appeal to a variety of ages, with features such as pictures in replacement of text passwords, and bespoke avatars.

Designed to complement all programs of study across the National Curriculum for Key Stages One and Two, as well as the Government's Computing curriculum, Blue Turtle Learning aimed to enhance the learning experience both within and beyond the classroom.

This feature-rich VLE was crafted to be e-safe, engaging, and interactive, providing a central platform for children, teachers, and parents to come together and learn with confidence.

Understanding the diverse needs of multiple users was central to the development of Blue Turtle Learning. From young pupils to older Governors, it was essential for all users to safely and successfully access and navigate the platform. The VLE needed to be highly visual, interactive, and informative, yet crucially, also intuitive to use.

Blue Turtle Learning offered single-click full access to essential learning resources, from logging in and accessing key information to sharing work. Every pupil received child-centered and child-friendly user access, empowering them to securely make their own connection choices. Homework, lesson plans, and teaching challenges could be directly set to children by teaching staff via the VLE, supporting flexible learning both inside and outside the classroom and extending the opportunities for teaching staff.