This document discusses the differences between learning management systems (LMS) and personal learning environments (PLE). An LMS is a centralized system used by educational institutions to deliver content and track learning, while a PLE refers to the collection of online tools and services learners use for self-directed study. The author describes their experience using various LMS platforms over time and how views have shifted from seeing LMS as the primary learning tool to recognizing PLEs' role in giving learners more control. They argue LMS and PLE should be integrated, with LMS providing core functions and PLE allowing more flexibility.

1. To PLE or not to PLE - that is (not) the question JP Bosman – a journey from LMS to PLE and back again

2. Quick definition: LMS LMS: Learning management system VLE: Virtual learning environment “A VLE is a computer program that facilitates computerized learning or e-learning. Such e-learning systems are sometimes also called Learning Management System (LMS), Content Management System (CMS), Learning Content Management System (LCMS), Managed Learning Environment (MLE), Learning Support System (LSS), Online Learning Centre (OLC), OpenCourseWare (OCW), or Learning Platform (LP); it is education via computer-mediated communication (CMC) or Online Education.” (Wikipedia*) * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_learning_environment

3. LMS Examples Proprietary Blackboard (SU, UP, UJ, UFS, Limpopo) Sharepoint OpenSource Sakai (UCT, NWU, UNISA) Moodle (Rhodes) Kewl (UWC) Instructure (New kid on the block)

4. Quick definition: PLE PLE: Personal learning environment “personal learning environment (PLE) describes the tools, communities, and services that constitute the individual educational platforms learners use to direct their own learning and pursue educational goals. … A typical PLE, for example, might incorporate blogs where students comment on what they are learning, and their posts may reflect information drawn from across the web—on sites like YouTube or in RSS feeds from news agencies. While most discussions of PLEs focus on online environments, the term encompasses the entire set of resources that a learner uses to answer questions, provide context, and illustrate processes. As used here, the term refers not to a specific service or application but rather to an idea of how individuals approach the task of learning. (Educause**) ** http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7049.pdf

5. PLE examples (Michael Rowe*) *** Michael Rowe – ple: Experiences in Personal learning: http://goo.gl/1h0VC

6. LMS vs PLE/ LMS & PLE PLE as counterpoint to VLE (Steve Wheeler) OR … PLE as opening up the walled garden (Purple Learning)

7. PLE as counterpoint (*) * Michael Rowe – ple: Experiences in Personal learning: http://goo.gl/1h0VC

8. Tales from a few worlds 1999 – LMS the beginnings (Wow! What great technology!) 2002 – Moodle, ha ha, the server fell over  2004 – New LMS: Beyond content dumping (pedagogy…) 2006 – Private sector – Mxit, Moodle, Media is king 2009 – Bb Africa: Mark Schofield: The VLE is dead – long live the VLE 2009 – Teach Mphil using blogs and LMS (also other workshops) 2009 – Heltasa (UJ): Michael Rowe (UWC) on Wikis/PLEs 2010 – Pretoria: e-Learning update – mature discussions 2010 – Berlin: Online Educa – Debate: Is the VLE dead? 2011 – NRF research: Emerging technologies in HE 2012 – The future of e-Learning at SU (Moodle & Bb + PLE, but definitely mobile!)

9. LMS & PLE (unlock the secret garden) We should look at integrating both LMS as glue/ axle to hold everything together (size) LMS has very easy, useful and flexible tools Turnitin Quizzes, feedback, journals, offline marking LMS as important institutional accreditation tool Copyright and CHEC Assessment and audit PLE as student responsibility tool(s) Moving in and out of each others’ spheres (e.g. PLE type blogs/ e-portfolios in the LMS and creating PLE assignment and linking to it from within the LMS)

10. Resources Educause: 7 Things you should know about personal learning environments (http://goo.gl/xnPQ) Michael Rowe: PLE (http://goo.gl/1h0VC) Graham Attwell: Personal learning environments (http://goo.gl/OlmeV) Steve Wheeler: Its personal, learning spaces, learning webs (http://goo.gl/u1Yt) What is Moodle: (http://goo.gl/1wcy) Blackboard Learn: (http://goo.gl/nIDDO)