The Ps Framework

Mapping the landscape for the PLEs@CQUni project

Abstract

The complex task of effectively using educational technology within universities is becoming more difficult as the shifting educational technology landscape brings into question many current institutional structures, practices and policies. This paper introduces the Ps Framework, a descriptive theory intended to reduce the complexity associated with making decisions within this changing landscape. The Ps Framework helps map out the changing landscape within a particular organisation, identify the diverse perspectives that may exist, and consequently aid decision makers to better understand the large amounts of complex and uncertain information involved in such decisions. The value of the Ps Framework is illustrated by using it to make sense of the landscape faced by the PLEs@CQUni project. This project aims to investigate, encourage and enable the use of social media, in the form of personal learning environments (PLEs), to supplement and enhance existing applications of educational technology at CQUniversity.