Personal Learning Environments as socio-technical systems: does decentralised data finally give us the right balance

Abstract

In this conceptual article, I pose three claims on the data ecosystem of Personal Learning Environments (PLE). I argue that (i) the current centralised data ecosystem is inherently incompatible with the concept of a PLE; (ii) that mainstreaming this concept will involve a transition to a technical decentralised data architecture, with Personal Data Storage for learners; and (iii) that new governance structures are needed to ensure learners’ data creates value for learning and learners themselves. I support these claims by analysing the technological data ecosystem of a PLE under the lens of sociotechnical systems theory. I consider the centralised data and decentralised data (based on Solid - Social Linked Data) conditions to unravel in which ways social relations, power and agency are shaped by technological and organisational choices.