A proposal for an adaptable personal learning environment to support learners needs and preferences

In recent years, Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) (also known as Learning Management Systems) have become pervasive in Higher Education. In addition, the explosion in social software and Web 2.0 technologies raises learners’ expectations of flexibility and personalisation, and highlights the rigidity and limitations of the VLE. Recognition of these limitations has given rise to the evolution of such systems into the concept of a Personal Learning Environment (PLE). This paper examines the concept of personalisation in terms of adaptation of the learning environment according to the needs and preferences of disabled learners. We report on progress towards the development of a model for an Adaptable Personal Learning Environment (APLE) that responds to the challenge of providing truly learner-centred, accessible, personalised and flexible learning.