Paul Sharples

Since the publication of the IMS LD specification it has been recognised that the lack of a rich set of runtime services is a major barrier to adoption. The approaches taken to resolving this problem are reviewed, and their strengths and limitations identified. A generic widget server developed by the authors is described. Integration of the widget server with the IMS LD runtime system provides an extensible set of services. This has been demonstrated with the creation of widgets for forums, messaging, vote, and Google maps which are provided for users within the context of their role and activities in a Unit of Learning. Authoring and administration are described, showing how the system is both extensible and portable.

The Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is fast emerging both in practical reality and through the e-learning discourse. As with many new and emerging technologies, there is a divergence of opinion as to what constitutes this new phenomenon, or indeed, if it is a new phenomenon at all.
The aim of the PLE project at the University of Bolton has been to bring clarity to this discourse through the production of a reference model together with the creation of some prototypes. Here we present a commentary of our survey of currently emerging projects and technologies in this field and show how the attributes of the reference model may be of use in defining the relationships between current technologies, the direction of future developments and the implications for learners and educational institutions.