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Slides by researcher Stephen Downes provide some basic elements of connectivism. Included is an analysis of VLE (virtual learning environments using LMS) vs. PLE (personal learning environments) and the types of knowledge these promote. Also addressed is personal vs. social knowledge, collaboration vs. cooperation, and network design principles. Especially interesting here is the VLE vs PLE analysis.

Kim, Thank you for sharing! I liked the visuals throughout the slide show!

Mr Downes makes thought provoking distinctions between a number of concepts (e.g.VLE and a PLE, personal vs social knowledge, and cooperation vs collaboration). Thanks for sharing.

As PLEs are often positioned as the antithesis (or antidote) to closed institutional based learning management systems, this article title struck me as an oxymoron. The article sets forth several plans for making the existing VLEs (think LMS) systems more like a PLE. This includes a widget store, significant options for customizing appearance and perhaps most interesting, a mechanism for making system data available back to users (where confidentiality is not an issue). Did not see whether or not, post-graduation access to institutional PLE resources will be provided or not, as this is a key issue in my mind.

This journal article titled: Personal Learning Environments - Challenging the Dominant Design of Educational Systems was posted by one of the authors, Colin Milligan. The paper looks at the formal and informal learning and the connections that lead specific learnings of both types and how VLEs (virtual learning environments) play a role.

I found this to be a fascinating paper, which really made me reflect on how an LMS is and is not a good portal as a PLE. I particularly appreciated the diagram on page 4, which shows how technological tools such as tunneling, feeds and APIs can be used to turn a VLE into more of a PLE.

A very easy to read and follow article written by Mark van Harmelen. Great overview of what Personal Learning Environments are and how they may impact learning theories.

This article attempts to define personal learning environments by offering multiple definitions and distinguishing PLE's from related terms. Three PLE system examples are provided.

Summary: This article focuses on a CoP who have come together to create and Adaptable Personal Learning Environment for people with disabilities. Their goal is to create a virtual learning environment that a user can adapt to meet his or her own unique needs. By using an existing system (Portland VLE) and updating it they will be able to improve access. Their basic goal is to establish access for all (in their region). The other long term goal is to allow users to create their own PLE which will enable to them to create their own learning network. I am not sure if this article meets the criteria set out by our instructor but I liked the idea that people are working together to create a technological interface that will bring not only technology access to people with disabilities but will also allow them to create a personal learning environment and / or learning network!

This article discusses the components of the current educational structure and how they can be detrimental to continued learning. It also proposes an alternative structure that promotes shared connections and networking.

Written in 2007, this article purposes an "alternative design" to online education that seeks to expose students to a variety of different technologies instead of having them master one. It would then ask students to share new found resources and ideas with other students. Although this "new" concept is clearly the type of education the MET program subscribes to, it is interesting to read about it in a hypothetical sense.

This article argues that personal learning networks will help advance the field of education technology. The author explains the differences between the dominant design of education technology and personal learning networks. The author states that personal learning networks will help people build relationships and connections.