Personal Learning Environments

D. Help a student develop their own Personal Learning Environment by utilizing Open Network Learning Applications within a global learning environment.

I can help a student develop their own Personal Learning Environment. The Personal Learning Environment consists of the tools that a learner chooses to assist in their education. These tools and resources help the learner to communicate, collaborate, and collaborate. To do this the learner can utilize Open Network Learning Applications or tools. These Web 2.0 tools are used individually or collaboratively with others that are local or distant through the internet to promote learning. An important facet of Open Network Learning Applications is social networking and the use of social interaction in learning.

Important as the PLE is it is the learner’s judgment on which tools to use to assist in their research and learning. Many of the tools available to the learner promote higher learning. As an instructor it is important to teach the learner how to select resources that are good sources of data and those that are not.

Why create PLEs? The PLE allows the learner to take ownership of their own education based on research that they conduct with the Web 2.0 tools. The break from traditional education and from LMS provides the opportunity for the learner to employ tools that promote higher learning. An important element of the PLE is publishing and sharing what is learned.

PLEs are not for all students though. Students may not have the experience and skills to interpret and evaluate a speaker comments or writers post. Teachers can help the student to learn these skills.

I created My PLE as a model for students. My PLE contains the Web 2.0 tools and resources that I use in my class work and at work in the computer commons. I designed a graphic that show the key areas of communication, collaboration, creativity, resources and tools that I use on a daily basis.




References
Unknown. (2009) 7 things you should know about...Personal Learning Environments, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. Web
www.educause.edu/eli

Blocher, J. Michael, PhD. (NA) Open Network Learning Environments. Web accessed 4-18-2011.
www.nau.edu/d-elearn/events/viewFile.php?ID=88

Pontydysgu, Graham Attwell. (2007) Personal Learning Environments - the future of eLearning? eLearning Papers www.elearningpapers.eu