I have just read ‘Large-scale Open Source E-Learning Systems at The Open University UK’ by Sclater (2008). This year I am going to be involved in developing a VLE (virtual learning environment) at a new sixth form college. I was pleased to hear they chose Moodle and after reading this paper I am even happier they did! To have the OU jointly developing Moodle must have great benefits for the software. I was also relieved to read some arguments defending the use of VLEs, since we are hearing more and more about PLEs (personal learning environments) these days. I believe VLEs have an important role to play in educational institutions for delivering online learning and also supporting face-to-face teaching/learning.