From personal to social: learning environments that work

VLE (Virtual Learning Environments) are rapidly falling short to meet the demands of a networked society. Web 2.0 and social networks are proving to offer a more personalized, open environment for students to learn formally as they are already doing informally. With the irruption of social media into society, and therefore, education, many voices claimed for he need of new models that demonstrate the transferability and scalabilty of e-learning. Salmon (2005), Sclater (2008), Atwell (2007) and others coincide in the relevance of PLEs as being useful or indeed central to learning as well as their potential for knowledge development and sharing. However, how can we, as teachers, enhance the digital skills of our students to promote a more effective, meaningful learning? This article aims to provide some data regarding the strategies for a successful implementation of the use of PLE's with students and to share, at the same time, some examples and evidences of PLE constructions which can be of help both in Higher Education and Secondary Education levels.