Deployment of virtual learning environment at the Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí

The most relevant issues about the implementation of a virtual learning environment at the Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí (UNESUM) are presented in this paper. This implementation process is guided by the challenges of the current trends in b-learning field and the most imperative requirements of the UNESUM. These requirements are captured on a preliminary study taking into account the opinion of students and lecturers. Based on other similar proposals carried out in other educational centers, a methodological framework is proposed to reach the virtual learning environment at UNESUM. This paper also offers several considerations about the design and implementation of the virtual environment used on a pilot test using several courses in two grades. A set of recommendations in order to generalize the proposal to the entire university is also offered in this work.