The merging of robust learning technology with the Internet offers a new breed of learning experiences, in particular the development of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). This papers deals with the features, advantages, theoritical backgrounds, Various subsystems, components and tools learning and learning content management systems of Virtual Learning Environments. VLE @ DLIS, BU is a prototype of virtual earning environments in the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), The University of Burdwan (BU) using open source learning management software Moodle .

Keywords: Virtual learning environments (VLEs); Social contact theory; Social constructivism; Contact theory; Learning management system (LMS); Content management system (CMS); Learning content management system (LCMS); Learning objects (Los); Learning object metadata.