Simply put, Virtual Learning Environments or VLEs are designed to help manage school work online. These clever systems allow learners and staff to access a wide variety of learning materials through specially designed computer systems.

Resources commonly found on virtual learning environments - especially in university and college environments - include notes and handouts, practice tests or exams, PowerPoint presentations, video clips and links to useful websites.

A few years ago, Ofsted's report found that they were still a relatively new concept which represented only a very small (and in many cases non-existent) aspect of learning. Colleges and universities were found to be making the most use of VLEs, while primary schools were lagging furthest behind.

Although virtual learning environments have been steadily growing in popularity over the last few years, the actual use of VLEs in many educational institutions - especially primary schools - has not really taken off.

Educational experts blame a lack of enthusiasm and peer support from teachers and learners for the lack of development of VLE initiatives. But there may be a wider issue to contend with, especially when it comes to how few junior schools have adopted the systems as part of their everyday schoolwork and homework management.

The main problem in primary schools is the lack of a so-called "technology champion" - normally a key staff member who gets to grips with the idea, sees the benefits and works to help colleagues do the same in order to get technology adopted in the school.

Another problem is that most VLEs are designed for use by secondary or higher education institutes, with large amounts of storage, complex time-tabling systems and a relatively streamlined appearance. This makes "off the shelf" solutions eminently unsuitable for junior schools.

Aside from the fact that most systems are priced out of the range of the average primary school due to the extensive features and storage (essential for secondary and higher education, but unwanted price padding for primary), their interfaces and functionality are fundamentally unusable by 4-11 year olds. What use is a VLE that the pupils cannot access?

A primary school teacher does not want to add more to his or her already extensive workload. The mark of a proper primary school VLE is that it should simplify the job of the teacher whilst being easily accessible to pupils and parents.

Features like big buttons, colourful graphics and easy-to-understand instructions are needed for younger students. Simple and easy administration which reduces workload rather than increasing it is needed for primary teachers and admin staff.

This is why primary schools need their own specialist virtual learning environments, designed and built carefully from the ground up to meet the needs of their school's pupils, teachers and parents.

If junior shcools can access dedicated VLEs that make work management simpler for all parties then they are more likely to use them and their popularity will grow in the primary education environment.