In my opinion, Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) are the way to go. After having been following the discussion (for example here) for a quite a while, I found this new coverage by Derek Wenmoth via Stephen Downes today. Even though the graphic applies to a school environment, it might be applicable to universities as well.

Here’s Derek’s description of his graphic:

He sees his diagramme “is an attempt to describe thedevelopment and potential intersection of these two systems, ie 1.Personal Learning Environment that is “owned”, managed and maintainedby the individual learner, and 2. Managed Learning Environment that is”owned, managed and maintained by a school or institution.”

I also like this thought of incorporating a Managed Learning Environment (which might also be commercial) and a Personal Learning Environment. I’ll see if I can manage to draw my own graphic during the next weekend.