Social software: E-learning beyond learning management systems

Here is an excellent article articulating the emerging view (which I certainly wholeheartedly agree with) that education should look beyond VLEs (virtual learning environments) and LMS (learning management systems) "and engage students in an active use of the web as a resource for their self-governed, problem-based and collaborative activities".

The article's abstract continues:

"An approach to use of social software in support of a social constructivist approach to e-learning is presented, and it is argued that learning management systems do not support a social constructivist approach which emphasizes self-governed learning activities of students. The article suggests a limitation of the use of learning management systems to cover only administrative issues. Further, it is argued that students' self-governed learning processes are supported by providing students with personal tools and engaging them in different kinds of social networks.

Social software: E-learning beyond learning management systems, Christian Dalsgaard, European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 12/7/2006