Dual diagnosis education within a VLE.

In September 2007 Middlesex University launched the UKʼs first Dual Diagnosis (co- morbidity of substance misuse and mental ill health) distance learning course using the Universityʼs VLE (OASISplus) as its delivery platform. A year later the first cohort of students had completed the course and offered evidence that this approach was one that was favoured not just by students but also by the tutor involved in its delivery. What follows is a discussion on why a distance learning module was developed using a VLE, what was initially developed, and whether a VLE can be used to teach Dual Diagnosis education. The article concludes with recommendations for those who are considering taking such an approach with other courses.