In this talk Stephen Downes outlines the differences between learning using a personal learning environment (PLE) and learning in a CMS (Course Management System, like Moodle for example). He argues that a PLE does what an LMS cannot do – it is designed to stimulate learning through an immersion into a community, as opposed to learning via presentation of facts. “Pedagogy thus becomes the facilitation of skills for participation in such communities, which I tie to my critical literacy framework”.
http://www.slideshare.net/Downes/pedagogical-foundations-for-personal-learning