Personal Learning Environments for Supporting Out-of-Class Language Learning

A Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is a combination of tools and resources chosen by a learner to support the learning process. The author discusses tools that help learners control their language-learning process—e.g., collaboration tools, synchronous tools, planning and monitoring tools, and a content repository—and outlines a six-week plan for integrating PLEs into a language course. Discussion of technical and pedagogical considerations of implementing PLEs rounds out the topic.