Personal Learning Environment

Week two learning centered on PLE (personal learning environment).  This is my second posting for this week as somehow I have lost my initial second week posting, although it was saved!  Yes, very frustrating!

Honestly I didn't know what a PLE was until I read the information and viewed the videos.  It's not a new concept for me as throughout this learning journey at Brock my online forum groups have been discussing this idea but I didn't know the terminology.  Now I do!

Steve Wheeler offers some great information on the differences of a PLE versus a LMS.  Brock's Sakai is a good example of a LMS (learning management system) where the information is organized for the students.  It's not a good system for personalized learning according to Wheeler but it is traditional in the sense all the tools required for the student have been predetermined (textbook, web links, assignments etc.)  With a PLE, learning is individualized, created by and for the student. A Bridge in the Cloud  Wendy Drexler supports the PLE environment because it encourages critical thinking, digital literacy and "empowers the learner" The Networked Student
What I like about the PLE is the flexibility of the learning environment.  What discourages me about the PLE is how little I know about the tools available for learning.  It seems to be an endless array of tools to use and then to acquire knowledge how to use the tools in a safe and secure way appears to take many hours of practice.

During week two I explored Gliffy and mapping tools.  I was able to develop my own plan but alas at the moment unable to locate the file.  Okay, onto other things!  Wordle was the next tool.  I have used Wordle in the past but unable to use it this time  Maybe my Java plug-in is not up to date.  I don't know. I had more success with Tagcrowd.  It is a great way to summarize your reflective thoughts!

 Hamilton, C. (cc)  2013

I do wonder though where PLE is leading for the future of learning. Will everyone be plugged in online to learn?  Is this the best method for all people?  Aren't we assuming all people have access to the internet, have access to the computer and skills to use the web tools?

In the remote northern areas of Ontario for example, the internet relies on satellite signals. If the satellite is down due to weather, then there is no internet.  I have been lucky with my travels so far as previous interruptions with the internet have not caused me to lose precious information.  In conclusion I can see the benefits of a PLE, as it is flexible, encourages critical thinking and participation in individualized learning.  A PLE attempts to distance students from the business of education.  I cannot fully envision though a world without a physical classroom and buildings.  I hope people remain connected not only through the internet and online but physically.  Informal learning with face-to-face discussion I believe can never be replaced fully online.  At least I hope not!  I still like to get together with my friends, share stories and coffee!

Finally below is my PLE map using the Gliffy tool.  It looks a bit simplistic compared to others, however it is a honest representation of my personal learning environment.

"Gliffy Map"  Hamilton, C (cc) 2016

Here is my word cloud using Tagcrowd.  It took me some time to understand how to display this but I think with some practice I could do this again.

"Digital Footprint" (screenshot) Hamilton, C. (cc) 2016

Christine