Revitalizing Blended and Self-Directed Learning Among Adult Learners Through the Distance Education Mode of Learning in Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 185-203
Author(s):  
Isaac Kofi Biney
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Global North ◽  
University Of Ghana

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are witnessing increasing participation of non-traditional learners, learning by distance education (DE) mode. Blended learning (BL) strategy is adapted to create opportunities for adult learners to improve knowledge, skills, and intellectual capacities to impact, among others, productivity at workplace. This chapter explores the use of technology to conceptualize BL and self-directed learning (SDL). It discussed blended learning as practiced in the global north and the global south. It examined SDL and focused attention on blended learning as practiced in HEIs, using University of Ghana as a case study. It identified issues involved in blended learning and mapped up solutions in revitalizing self-directed learning culture among the young adults in Ghana. The chapter concludes that the state-of-the-art computer laboratories which power the Sakai LMS should be refurbished and retooled to deepen BL and SDL culture among adult learners in Ghana.

scholarly journals On campus, but out of class: an investigation into students’ experiences of learning technologies in their self-directed study

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Deepwell ◽  
Samina Malik
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Postgraduate Level ◽  
Directed Learning

This paper presents an investigation into how students studying at university engage actively with learning technology in their self-directed study time. The case study surveyed 250 students studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level from a purposive sample of departments within one institution. The study has also conducted focus groups and a number of in-depth follow-up interviews with respondents to the survey. In this article we explore three emerging aspects of the learning experience, namely student expectations of the technology, their lecturers’ engagement with technology and how the technology might support processes of transition in higher education. One key implication is that more academic guidance is needed on what and how to use the technology effectively for independent learning, even where ICT skills levels are high. The study also identifies the significant role that the lecturer plays in facilitating students’ use of technology. The findings of this study will be of interest to those working to incorporate learning technologies more effectively in higher education, in particular for those who are looking to improve the engagement of students in self-directed learning.Keywords: student experience; learning technologies; self-directed learning; blended learning; case studyDOI: 10.1080/09687760701850166

scholarly journals Vector AR3-APP – A Good-Practice Example of Learning with Augmented Reality

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-64
Author(s):  
Karin Langer ◽  
Stefanie Lietze ◽  
Gerd Ch. Krizek
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Augmented Reality Application ◽  
Directed Learning

AbstractAfter a discussion about the possibilities and status of augmented reality in education, a good practice example of an augmented reality application is presented. This case study examines the use of an augmented reality app in higher education to support abstract STEM content, such as vectors. Based on this example, the implementation of such apps in didactic concepts and self-directed learning will be discussed. Furthermore, aspects of integration into digital learning and teaching will be addressed.

Is Anyone There? Being ‘Present' in Distance Education

2010 ◽  
pp. 194-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Reupert ◽  
Darryl Maybery
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Subject

Research on higher education distance education tends to focus on the technical aspects of distance teaching, with little focus on the personal components of teaching and learning. In this chapter, students are interviewed to identify whether they want a personal presence from their lecturers and if so, what this presence might look like in distance education. Conversely, lecturers are interviewed to determine what they personally bring of themselves when teaching in distance mode. Results indicate that many, but not all, distance students want their lecturers to be passionate about their subject, form relationships and be open and available. However, there were some students, albeit a minority, who wanted to focus solely on the subject. Other students were clear that even though they valued lecturers’ personal revelations, these needed to be directly related to subject materials. Similarly, distance lecturers suggest that while they do reveal aspects of their personality there are also boundaries as to how much they ‘give’ of themselves. A case study is presented that extends this discussion and provides one approach, through the use of technology, for taking the ‘distance’ out of distance teaching.

Enabling Creative Blended Learning for Adults through Learning Design

2014 ◽  
pp. 279-295
Author(s):  
Spyros Papadakis
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Scenarios ◽  
Authoring Environment

This chapter discusses the emerging need and opportunity for the development the conceptualisation of representation and forms for learning design which are utilised in the activities a teacher plans to engage adult learners in lifelong learning setting. The chapter argues that effective teaching and facilitating practice involving ICT should be described and represented in ways that facilitate creative learning, self-directed learning, critical reflection and experiential learning scenarios. The sharing and reuse of quality ICT-based collaborative learning activities for adults could be a solution to enable creative and effective blended learning for adults. In this chapter Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) is presented as an innovative approach to blended learning paradigm. Inspired by the concept of “Learning Design,” it provides a visual authoring environment for the development of activity sequences, together with a learner run-time environment and a teacher-monitoring environment.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Case Study Program of Ethics Course Based on the Blended Learning Model and its Impact on Active Learning Indicators

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
leili mosalanejad ◽  
Atefeh karamzadeh ◽  
Leila Bazrafkan
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Medical Ethics ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Ethics Course ◽  
Directed Learning

Abstract Background Now in training physicians, should be pay attention to medical education and clinical skills with respect to justice, dignity and human rights. This is the ultimate goal of medical ethics. The purpose of this study is a comprehensive case study educational program of ethics course based on blended learning model and its effect on indicators of active learning. MethodsThis quasi-experimental intervention study was performed on 70 physiopathology medical students who had taken medical ethics course. The students' educational program included teaching theoretical topics of medical ethics, discussing ethical issues and clinical reasoning on cases, discussing in forum environment and individual assignments in LMS system and completing portfolio. Student evaluation was associated with evaluating the effect of method on students' knowledge, attitude and ethical reasoning skills. The impact of intervention on self-directed learning and self-regulation was also investigated. Data collection tools were Gaglimino (1978) and Beauford (1995) self-directed readiness questionnaires that students answered before and after their intervention. . Data analysis was performed using SPSS software at two levels of descriptive and analytic statistics. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference between students 'self-direction after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p = 0.005). but, students' self-regulation was not significant despite the increase after the intervention (p = 0.149). Also, the total score of students in intervention group were significant compared to traditional group (p<.05).Conclusion According to research findings, it is suggested that while considering student-centered educational approaches based on case study, the use of blended learning in medical ethics course, can have a positive effects on improving students' learning and individual learning indicators (self-regulation and self-directed learning). Using those method suggest in other medical courses.

A Conceptual Framework of Blended Learning for Self-Directed Learners in the Social Context: Case of Mobile Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
WAN ABDUL RAHIM WAN MOHD ISA ◽  
Zulinda Ayu Zulkipli ◽  
Mimi Nurakmal Mustapa
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
The Social ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Currently, the factors for adopting m-learning revolve around higher education settings. However, the factors surrounding different cultural and background context of the user in using m-learning in different contexts are not fully explored, especially in the social context. Thus, there are needs to understand blended learning for self-directed learners from different communities. The main objectives of this paper are (i) to develop a conceptual framework of blended learning for self-directed learners in the social context by using mobile learning as the case study and (ii) to provide recommendations for improving m-learning for self-directed learners. The adapted conceptual framework which consists of (i) learner aspects, (ii) device aspects and (iii) the social aspects, was used in this study. A survey was conducted with 190 respondents who have experience in using mobile devices for self-directed learning and their qualitative responses were recorded. The preliminary descriptive results are presented to understand the user’s background and qualitative responses in supporting the recommendations related to (i) learner's aspects, (ii) device aspects and (iii) the social aspects, as suggested in the conceptual framework. Keywords: blended learning; mobile learning, self-directed learners

Preparing Adult Learners for Success in Blended Learning through Onboarding: A pilot study

eLearn ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Samuel ◽  
Steven Durning ◽  
Holly Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Skills ◽  
Online Discussion Board ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Evaluation Survey

Blended learning offers adult learners unique opportunities for instructional continuity given work and personal commitments. However, learners participating in blended learning may experience a sense of isolation and/or problems with technology. To address the challenges of a blended program, an expanded orientation, called ?onboarding,? was designed to ensure learners feel connected to their program and clearly understand the programmatic requirements. Onboarding spans six months and includes a series of activities to provide learners with technological, interaction, and self-directed learning skills needed to succeed in a blended program. Results from the evaluation survey reveal that learners feel most engaged with the program through one-to-one interactions with their academic advisors and interactions with peers in an online discussion board. In addition, learners primarily found the onboarding process straightforward and mostly expressed a desire for more explicit instructions. The onboarding, catering to adult learner needs, provides a combination of personal interactions and self-paced activities, offers hands-on experience of the technologies that learners will be using in the program, and contextualizes all the technical activities within programmatic requirements. Providing a comprehensive onboarding process can help returning learners in their transition to blended learning

Enabling Creative Blended Learning for Adults through Learning Design

2012 ◽  
pp. 257-273
Author(s):  
Spyros Papadakis
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Scenarios ◽  
Authoring Environment

This chapter discusses the emerging need and opportunity for the development the conceptualisation of representation and forms for learning design which are utilised in the activities a teacher plans to engage adult learners in lifelong learning setting. The chapter argues that effective teaching and facilitating practice involving ICT should be described and represented in ways that facilitate creative learning, self-directed learning, critical reflection and experiential learning scenarios. The sharing and reuse of quality ICT-based collaborative learning activities for adults could be a solution to enable creative and effective blended learning for adults. In this chapter Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) is presented as an innovative approach to blended learning paradigm. Inspired by the concept of “Learning Design,” it provides a visual authoring environment for the development of activity sequences, together with a learner run-time environment and a teacher-monitoring environment.

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