Reflections on Personal Learning Environments: Theory and Practice

The nature of higher education has changed irrevocably due sweeping changes brought about by e-learning. Such changes include the educational experience, the research process, institutional expenditure & academic work. Possibly the newest development is the personal learning environment. This paper explores the question: what might be the higher education effects of personal learning environments (PLEs) within the context of already embedded learning management systems? A short history is given & the theoretical underpinnings of PLEs are investigated. The paper briefly describes institutional practice in terms of widely established learning management systems. Finally, contemporary approaches to PLEs are critiqued & their possible effects upon higher education evaluated.