BP12_200910_Web 2.0 tool #6 PLE

Personal learning environments (PLE) are systems for users to take control of they’re learning and content. In our current course we are encouraged to use iGoogle but due to the lack of sharing left me wanting for more. In my research for a web 2.0 tool I found two strong options and I couldn’t pick about just one to write about. Let me tell you about Netvibes and Pageflakes, they are very similar.

The convenience factor is the main appeal of start pages, instead of visiting a ton of sites every morning; all you need to do is visit one. Each Netvibes and Pageflakes is free and easy to sign up. Deciding on which site to use is the other part, which one appeals to you for content, customization and community?

To see what you need on your page, each site offers widgets or flakes that are tools for adding content to you page. They are like virtual links to other sites in one place. Some of the useful widgets are for any or all of your email accounts (Gmail, yahoo, .Mac, hotmail), Face Book status, Twitter updates, Flickr viewer, Picasa albums, and social bookmarking sites. There is also all kind of utilities like to do lists, calendars, school schedules and weather.




Both PLE allows for the fun, colorful customization of themes and layouts. This allows for the individual to emerge from the other users. PakeFlakes allows for a personal image to your header and background. With Netvibes you can get images from Flickr or any URL for your personalization of your page. To save space on the page you can organize your content with tabs. Each site has the option of adding tabs; make one for your RSS feeds, maybe one for just your emails.

The best part of these two PLEs is that you can share the content easily. Netvibes allows you to post a public page to the “Universe” of anyone online. You can add all the same widgets as your private or private pages. It’s easy to switch between your public and private pages in Netvibes with a easy drop down menu that lists all of your Netvibe pages. PageFlakes allow you to share your individual tabs of your private site to either a specific group for friends, or to everyone. With the sharing features, both are open for social networking potential.

Netvibes and PageFlakes are two great options for personal learning environments. After navigating each for some time I’m torn on which I will be sticking with. I find that it’s after using iGoogle for so long that making the switch permanently will be difficult for a creature of habit, but the sharing ability may make one of these sites a good option for future classes.




Chart from http://www.cnet.com.au/start-page-smackdown-netvibes-pageflakes-igoogle-and-live-com_p5-339286371.htm

PageFlakes Video from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAq4tanY0ao


Netvibe Video from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uepcauDhN7s