There has been a lot of talk recently about PLEs (Personal Learning Environments) and everyone it seems, wants to know what they are, what they contain, or if they will replace current institutional VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) or LMS (Learning Management System) provision. No one seems to be able to agree on what a PLE is. I simply point them in the direction of the journal I edit: Interactive Learning Environments. MORE

The future success of e-learning depends on appropriate selection of tools and services. This symposium will propose that the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as an institutional tool is dead, no more, defunct, expired. The first panel member, Steve Wheeler , will argue that many VLEs are not fit for purpose, and masquerade as solutions for the management of online learning. It provides the best environment for the variety of learners within institutions. MORE

It's a movement against the commoditization of learning and against corporate profiteering. 2) Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and in particular Learning Management Systems (LMSs) contribute toward restrictive practices in education and constrain both learner and teacher to operate within a model of learning that is insitutionally beneficial, but does little for the learner themselves. Image Source Posted by Steve Wheeler from Learning with e's. MORE

In yesterday's post I gave the first part of a review of the latest issue of the journal Interactive Learning Environments , which is a special issue entitled: 'Towards eLearning 2.0 There are 7 papers in the issue, each of which focus on social media that are being used to support and enhance learning in higher education. The first, by Valjataga and Laanpere, focuses on learner control of the environment, and how it poses a challenge for instructional design. MORE

Dan's article is entitled: ' Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs): here to stay, or on the brink of demise? ' Here's the abstract: Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are popular with many educational institutions, ranging from primary schools to universities. Recent literature and personal blogs are used to understand how the VLE as a concept is understood. 2009) Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs): here to stay, or on the brink of demise? MORE

I watched this morning's PLE conference (#pleconf) unkeynote by Grainne Conole and Ricardo Torres Kompen, which was streamed live from Aveiro, in Portugal. In it, they represented a number of perspectives on personal learning environments, including a discussion on the differential between institutionally managed Virtual Learning Environments (or VLEs) and the free tools that learners are now using on the web. MORE

It certainly is an exciting time to be involved with learning and technology. Virtual learning environments are one example of cloud computing. Gaming - Using game-based learning scenarios allows for experimentation, the exploration of identities, and even failure in a safe environment. New APIs, such as TinCan (Experience) API is a major tool that lends itself to the gathering of meaningful, real-time learning analytics that is device agnostic. MORE

We all learn differently. Everyone of us has individual needs and personal requirements. Unfortunately, most of us are products of education systems that are based on the industrial model of education which is far removed from personalised learning. It means that everyone has to try to fit in, even if the methods and environments don't meet their needs. The personalised learning movement continues to grow in influence. Each of us has preferences. MORE

Creating Passionate Users: Crash course in learning theory 2. Keeping Up with the Pace of Change Informal learning will help employees survive in the future workplace 3. Understanding E-Learning 2.0 There are some very interesting changes going on in the world of e-learning that seem to have crept up on practitioners. Things You Can Do in Ten Minutes to Be a More Successful E-learning Professional By Stephen Downes, National Research Council Canada 5. MORE

I thought I'd kick off this year by posting a series of posts on topics related to tools and methods for work and learning. I'm hoping to address questions such as: How do you create a personal tool set or Personal Learning Environment (PLE) for yourself? But I'm worried, because while I just got through writing about my concern in Using SharePoint that learning organizations seemed to be making the same mistake of Not Preparing Workers for Web 2.0. MORE