With the growing number of resources and web 2.0 tools, it is clear to see why personal learning environments (PLE’s) are able to become a key player in both formal and informal learning. The nature of PLE’s allow individuals personal control over their own learning data and as Stephen Downes (2012) notes, it provides a decentralized repository that allow for connections and extensions to a multitude of networks, tools and collaborative environments, and “becomes…one of many players in your learning existence” (Downes, 2012).
As I see it, the centralized nature of LMS’s (learning management system) are limiting in today’s web-enabled environment, whereas the PLE’s offer an abundance of networked learning environments that “connect individuals with each other...nobody is locked out of the network” (Downes, 2012). If I am to practice what I preach, then a PLE is consistent with the connectivist philosophy and principles of e-learning that I uphold; where PLE’s provide openness to a network of global communities, ideas and individuals, allowing for a richer, socially connected and complex learning environment.
My recent experience in developing a unit with the Moodle, I’ve come to recognize that LMS’s provide a predictable and stable platform, with an adequate number of Moodle-based tools at your disposal. Although, I found I was limited in my ability to liven up the look of the unit as the Moodle interface is visually unremarkable and dull. This undertaking into the world of LMS left me yearning for my opportunity for engaging and user-friendly environments like Weebly and Wordpress. With my limited scope and knowledge of LMS’s my preference leans toward individually constructed PLE’s. The personal use of learning environments have the ability to transform the teaching and learning process as they allow for unlimited access, management and personal control over information and data, and one has the ability to customize the look and feel of the interface.
Another advantage of a PLE is the ability to leverage specific web 2.0 tools that are intuitive and easily accessible for learners, as mentioned in the research study conducted by Jafari et al. (2006) “stakeholders want…all the currently available social tools, intuitive tools, smart agents, and interactive environments of Web 2.0 and social computing.” These attributes help to personalize the learning experience, as learners’ are able to claim ownership over their own digital lives, such that they have the ability to add to their personal e-portfolio of learning—for instance a personal blog—and use this portfolio in their lifelong educational journey.
Now begins the process of designing and creating a PLE…
Image: http://www.edtechpost.ca/ple_diagrams/index.php/3379888408_629ba7415e
As I see it, the centralized nature of LMS’s (learning management system) are limiting in today’s web-enabled environment, whereas the PLE’s offer an abundance of networked learning environments that “connect individuals with each other...nobody is locked out of the network” (Downes, 2012). If I am to practice what I preach, then a PLE is consistent with the connectivist philosophy and principles of e-learning that I uphold; where PLE’s provide openness to a network of global communities, ideas and individuals, allowing for a richer, socially connected and complex learning environment.
My recent experience in developing a unit with the Moodle, I’ve come to recognize that LMS’s provide a predictable and stable platform, with an adequate number of Moodle-based tools at your disposal. Although, I found I was limited in my ability to liven up the look of the unit as the Moodle interface is visually unremarkable and dull. This undertaking into the world of LMS left me yearning for my opportunity for engaging and user-friendly environments like Weebly and Wordpress. With my limited scope and knowledge of LMS’s my preference leans toward individually constructed PLE’s. The personal use of learning environments have the ability to transform the teaching and learning process as they allow for unlimited access, management and personal control over information and data, and one has the ability to customize the look and feel of the interface.
Another advantage of a PLE is the ability to leverage specific web 2.0 tools that are intuitive and easily accessible for learners, as mentioned in the research study conducted by Jafari et al. (2006) “stakeholders want…all the currently available social tools, intuitive tools, smart agents, and interactive environments of Web 2.0 and social computing.” These attributes help to personalize the learning experience, as learners’ are able to claim ownership over their own digital lives, such that they have the ability to add to their personal e-portfolio of learning—for instance a personal blog—and use this portfolio in their lifelong educational journey.
Now begins the process of designing and creating a PLE…
Image: http://www.edtechpost.ca/ple_diagrams/index.php/3379888408_629ba7415e