Reflections on personal learning environments : theory and practice

The nature of higher education has changed irrevocably due to sweeping changes brought about by e-learning. Such changes include the educational experience, the research process, institutional expenditure and 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 and 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 and their possible effects upon higher education evaluated.