A new book (edited by Michael Thomas, PhD) is calling for chapter proposals on the efficacy of Personal Learning Environments for students, as a replacement to the Virtual Learning Environments like Blackboard. I've attached it FYI.
As I've read this forum, there are more than a few you who could write on this topic with no problem.
Hi Jan,
Some interesting thoughts, thanks. I think 'virtual' here can also refer to pre-3D immersive worlds (Web 1.0 if you like). There is some confusion about these terms VLE, CMS, LMS, with VLE being much more prevalent in the UK and Europe while CMS/LMS is more prevalent in North America, right? So perhaps best to see VLE as a continuum, from Web 1.0 (the flat Web) through to the emergence of more 3D applications like Sloodle. I don't think PLEs will suddenly replace VLEs as educational institutions are by nature too conservative - what may occur is a gradual transformation of the VLE as the 3D Web becomes more available and this may incorporate greater choice in terms of personal customization of the interface from the learner's perspective. I still think Martin Weller's book on Virtual Learning Environments is the best book out there (2007) - but this new book project is timely given the context of Web 2.0. I hope you'll consider submitting a proposal to develop your interesting ideas. Please spread the word to any one you feel is working in the same area. Best wishes, Michael