Lost in the Web 2.0 jungle

If we wish to cater for diverse needs then we need a diverse environment. Mainstream learning management systems impose structural, technical and organisational constraints that limit the ability of teachers to control them and, typically, constrain learners even more. Personal learning environments (PLEs), offer an alternative flexible and adaptable path. However, PLEs draw on resources and delivery platforms outside those controlled by the course team and LMS. It may become difficult to manage the learning process for both learner and teacher. This paper is a companion to cultivating the web 2.0 jungle, by Bhattacharya and Dron, which proposes solutions to the problems raised here.