JET_V3_N2_RP3 Alison Hramiak Journal of Educational Technology 2230 - 7125 3 2 55 62 trainee usage, initial teacher training, VLE, use of e-learning, PGCE This paper describes the initial findings of a longitudinal case study that investigates the use of e-learning and communications technology to enhance the placement experience for full time post graduate certificate in education (PGCE) students. It is a work in progress examining how a VLE might be used to support trainees while they are on placement. Geographically separated trainees can feel very isolated on placement. The purpose of the VLE site was to try to alleviate some of the loneliness associated with placement by offering a way for trainees to maintain contact with each other, and to offer mutual support for the work they were doing in terms of lesson plans, assignment work resource planning and soon. The Blackboard© (BB) site was set up prior to the students going on their first placement. Asynchronous and synchronous activities and communications were encouraged and provided for on the BB site, on a regular basis by the tutor while they were on placement. This paper describes the initial findings and analysis of the study, giving the depth and breadth of trainee usage of the site over the course of the academic year. The findings from the trainee evaluations of their use of e-learning technologies during the course are also given. A preliminary analysis of the results is used to offer some insight into how this type of support might be improved for future students, and a minimum pedagogical framework is recommended for the implementation of VLEs for initial teacher training. July - September 2006 Copyright & copy; 2006 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=733