Personal Learning Networks (PLN) in emerging distance education environments: genesis and dynamics of the PLN in a community of researchers

Investigação realizada no âmbito do Doutoramento de Educação, especialidade de Educação a Distância e eLearning (EDeL)This research project addresses issues related to what is currently the digital identity of the researcher in the field of Online Distance Education and eLearning and his/her personal learning environment, researching the genesis, management and dynamics of the personal learning network of each member in a community of researchers. For an effective contextualization of the problem, the study involves the analysis of three concepts: digital identity, personal learning environment and personal learning network. It seeks to answer the following main question: How does the researcher create, manage and stimulate his/her digital identity to build his/her Personal Learning Network (PLN)?