Martindale & Dowdy [1] describe a PLE as a "manifestation of a learner’s informal learning processes via the Web".
[2] The following is an excerpt from Dryden's and Vos' book on learning networks:[3] "For the first time in history, we know now how to store virtually all humanity's most important information and make it available, almost instantly, in almost any form, to almost anyone on earth.
Learners have certain goals, needs, interests, motivations and problems that are often presented to the people they include in their PLN.
The learner will establish stronger relationships with some members and have a low level of connection with others.
[2] Some of the member roles include searcher, assemblator, designer of data, innovator of subject matter, and researcher.