http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/Personal_Learning_Environments_(PLE)

Personal learning environment (PLE) describes the tools, communities, and services that constitute the individual educational platforms learners use to direct their own learning and pursue educational goals.[1] The PLE approach is based on a learner-centred view of learning and differs fundamentally from the alternative Learning Management System or Virtual Learning Environments approach both of which are based on an institution- or course-centred view of learning. Van Harmelen describes Personal Learning Environments as systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to set their own learning goals manage their learning; managing both content and process communicate with others in the process of learning and thereby achieve learning goals.