The document discusses personal learning environments (PLEs) and how they can be used for personal and professional development. A PLE is a self-directed approach facilitated by online tools that allows individuals to draw from a variety of resources according to their needs and interests. The assumptions of andragogy, or adult learning theory, support PLEs by recognizing that adults are independent, have accumulated life experiences, engage in problem-centered learning, and prefer immediate application. PLEs also reflect situated learning theory by providing context-specific learning opportunities within communities of practice. The document provides examples of how to develop and maintain an effective personal learning environment.

1. Using Technology to Engage in Personal & Professional Development: Personal Learning Environments & You Aisha Jackson, Amanda McAndrew&Jacie Moriyama Academic Technology Consultants University of Colorado at BoulderCU Women’s Succeeding: Annual Faculty Development Symposium University of Colorado at Colorado SpringsFebruary 25, 2011

2. Objectives Define Personal Learning Environments (PLEs). Review learning theories that support the use of PLEs Describe tools that could be used to build a PLE. Discuss the benefits and considerations of using web-based resources to support personal and professional development.

3. Where do you go when you’re ready to learn something?

4. PLEs Figure 1 Continuum of Learning from Formal to Informal (OECD, 2010)

5. What are Personal/Professional Learning Environments? An approach to learning, personal and professional development directed by your own needs and interests Facilitated by a collection of tools (EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, 2009)

6. What’s in a PLE?

8. Management Autonomy  Empowerment  Access

9. Andragogy The art and science of helping adults learn (Knowles, 1980)

10. Assumptions about Adult Learners Self-directed Accumulated a reservoir of life experiences – rich resource for learning Learning needs to be closely related to changing social roles Problem- centered and interested in immediate application

11. Assumptions about Adult Learners & PLEs A PLE is an approach to learning where an individual draws upon an array of resources to guide their own personal and professional development. Assumption: The adult learner is independent and self-directed.

12. Assumptions about Adult Learners & PLEs PLEs can be made up of traditional learning resources like books and can also comprise of (web-based) resources such as social networks. Assumption: Adult learners have an accumulation of life experiences that is a rich resource for learning.

13. Assumptions about Adult Learners & PLEs The tools in a PLE can be used to contribute knowledge, “answer questions, provide context, and illustrate processes” (EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, 2009, ¶5). Assumption: Learning needs to be closely related to changing social roles AND are interested in immediate application.

14. Self-Directed Learning & PLEs PLEs are an essential tool for women as it provides a means for them to not only expand their learning but also network and engage in (online) communities in both their personal and professional lives. Self Directed Learning: ‘Women on welfare are, in fact, self-directed learners, and in the process, they act as political agents for themselves and for other women.’ (Andruske, 1997)

15. Learning is situated. Learning is a function of the activity, context and culture in which it occurs. Lave& Wenger (1990)

16. A community of practice is the situation. Learning takes place in all different contexts and situations but in a community of practice you can gain and apply the knowledge in the same place.

17. Situated Learning and PLEs Allows for life long learning Allows for a method of learning from multiple people, places, and communities. Creates a space to be active in a community of practice

18. Situated Learning and PLEs Developing a PLE is placing yourself in a situation and building a community of learners where you can: Receive information Organize information Reflect on the information Contribute to the community Collaborate with the community

20. Jacie’s Personal Learning Environment

21. Considerations

22. Time

23. Be selective of the tools you use http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=2441&picture=tool-kit

24. Be your own filter

25. Changing Landscape Situational Transient http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=2435&picture=hammer-and-spanner

26. Information Literacy http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=1983&picture=old-typewriter

27. Questions & Discussion

28. Works Cited Dependent or citizen? Women’s transitions from welfare to work by C. L. Andruske Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation by J. Lave & E. Wenger Context and main concepts by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 7 Things you should know about Personal Learning Environments by EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy by Malcolm Knowles