Open Service-Oriented Platforms for Personal Learning Environments

Learning management systems (LMSs) are software systems for administrating, tracking, and reporting on e-learning programs. The authors' next-generation LMS provides a personal learning environment (PLE) in which LMS functions are integrated into a context that users are familiar with and use for other purposes - that is, mashup platforms using gadgets. By modularizing LMS functionality as a collection of services, the system lets users select just those services they want, use services from multiple providers, and mix their learning with other activities in a more natural manner. The authors deployed and tested their system at the Spanish University for Distance Education, which has a virtual campus of more than 200,000 students. Their survey indicates that the system is useful and easy to use for building individualized PLEs.