Theoretical Framework of Personal Learning Environments: SPET Model

The lack of a compelling educational theory underlying the advancement of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) has an impact on PLE implementation in Higher Education (HE). The purpose of this article is to introduce the concepts and theoretical framework of PLEs in the context of higher education. Constructivism, Connectivism, and Cognitivism have all been used in previous studies to explain the principles and implementations of PLEs. However, in order to promote the development of PLEs in higher education, a comprehensive theoretical framework is required. We developed the Society, Policy, Education, and Technology (SPET) framework to explain the environmental factors involved in accelerating the promotion of PLEs, beginning with redefining the value of Higher Education. Furthermore, we created a PLE framework that incorporates four major perspectives in the educational field to explain the internal factors of PLEs. These are academic administrative, learner and learning, teacher and teaching, and information communication technology (ICT) perspectives. All stakeholders involved in promoting PLEs in higher education can benefit from the two PLE frameworks.