Although central to the business of higher education, the LMS has also become a symbol of the status quo that supports administrative functions more effectively than teaching and learning activities.
Personal learning environments offer an alternative, but with their own limitations.
An open learning network helps bridge the gap between the PLE and the LMS, combining the best elements of each approach.
The initial implementation of an OLN at Brigham Young University represents a new learning platform model in higher education.
"The term 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."