PERSONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS - AN EDUCATIONAL LEARNING ECOSYSTEM IN e-LEARNING

ABSTRACT

This research work is based on a study of personal learning environments that can be developed in e-learning. Having in mind the current state of technological and social development, these environments, which have particular characteristics, have been named by specific literature with the Anglo-Saxon term Personal Learning Environments, from which the PLE or PLEs acronyms derive.

The purpose of this study is to understand the role of PLEs in student learning lessons of the Master’s Degree in Management E-Learning Systems in the Department of Social and Human Sciences of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, which took place between 2010 and 2013. Along their learning, these students used several tools and/or services associated with ICT and Web 2.0. This allowed them to create their own learning ecosystem.

The research methodology used took mainly into account the qualitative aspects. The strategy used to collect information was the questionnaire survey one. This information was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and subsequent triangulation of the results of some variables.

From these results it is possible to conclude that the Master’s Degree students have created their own PLEs, which have made their learning easier. Besides their use has conferred them benefits. The PLEs were also fundamental in order to develop collaborative activities, to create their own ecosystem and a network of knowledge exchange.

KEYWORDS: Personal Learning Environments, PLEs, PLE, e-Learning.