In my previous article Online courses must die! I advocated the development of Informal Learning Environments (ILEs).
Since then, Steve Wheeler’s thought-provoking article Anatomy of a PLE has prompted me to extend my argument a little further.
My updated premise is that an organisation – be it a corporation, university or otherwise – should facilitate two discrete but related virtual environments on behalf of its learning community:
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An Informal Learning Environment (ILE) which supports the learning process; and
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A Formal Learning Environment (FLE) which manages that learning.
The ILE will contain self-paced, self-directed, unmeasured learning resources such as readings, video clips, podcasts and discussion forums. The ILE might be called a learning portal, a learning centre, or some other friendly moniker.
In contrast, the FLE will contain administrative tools such as enrolment lists, formal assessments, grades and transcripts. The FLE might be called an MLE, VLE, LMS, or some other acronym.
Both the ILE and the FLE can be hosted on the same platform, but I think the front end of each needs to be demarcated in order to psychologically separate the “learning” from its administration.
E-Learning Provocateur 
Ryan, respectfully, I must disagree. Choosing between your ILE and FLE is dangerous territory, since you always get one mixed in with a bit of the other. Ponder it. And then see Steve’s Web -X presentation which is awesome.
jay
Thanks Jay, I welcome constructive criticism, especially from a guru!
To clarify, I certainly don’t suggest we choose between an ILE or an FLE. I strongly believe they both work together in harmony.
However I think your point is that the two should not be demarcated, but combined as one. I shall indeed ponder.