AWLA and AIOLE for personal learning environments

The possibilities that the web offers for learning transcend the limits of the classroom. The fast evolution of e-learning is giving participants a wide range of opportunities to choose for lifelong learning: from the initial steps of content-centred learning management systems to more open, student-centred Online Learning Environments (OLE). The features of ubiquity of information, collaboration by communicating through technology, flexibility and openness of OLE systems provide the integration facility that enables the development of Personal Learning Environments (PLE). PLE are breaking the barriers of formal learning, leading to a learner's personal interest in establishing the paths for lifelong learning. We propose OLE as an intermediate solution. A Writing e-Learning Appliance (AWLA) offers some language and communication tools as writing facilities for PLE to access and create text and multimedia information. This is integrated in An Interactive Online Learning Environment (AIOLE), which allows learners to design their learning under the tutor's guidance at the initial stages of learning with technology.