scholarly journals Lifelong Learning at Universities: Future Perspectives for Teaching and Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Cendon

This paper examines practices of teaching and learning in the era of digitalization. More specifically, it addresses practices of teaching and learning for students with professional experience who work alongside their studies. Based on the assumption that digitalization is a means of allowing more open and flexible pathways for teaching and learning in higher education, the paper focusses on the perspectives and perceptions of both students and teachers in digital supported teaching and learning environments as forms of blended learning. It brings together findings from two qualitative empirical studies: one focused on students’ perspectives of their development over the course of their studies; the second addressed teachers’ perspectives and their teaching strategies and activities. Based on the findings of these two research studies, the paper outlines future perspectives for teaching and learning and the role of digitalization, with a particular emphasis on programs of lifelong learning at universities.

Author(s):  
Ellen Boeren

This chapter explores the author's experiences with blended learning, both as a tutor and as a student at a British Russell Group University. The chapter starts from the importance of encouraging an autonomy supporting learning environment, featured within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). In the first part of the chapter, definitions of blended learning will be briefly reviewed. Secondly, the role of the learning environment will be explained, drawing upon previous research on learning environments undertaken by Darkenwald and Valentine (1986), mentioning the importance of the learning environment within motivational theories. Thirdly, results of a critical analysis on the own teaching and learning practice will be conducted, comparing the perspective of being a tutor and being a student. Finally, recommendations for future teaching practice will be discussed, before concluding this chapter.


2016 ◽  
pp. 252-270
Author(s):  
Ellen Boeren

This chapter explores the author's experiences with blended learning, both as a tutor and as a student at a British Russell Group University. The chapter starts from the importance of encouraging an autonomy supporting learning environment, featured within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). In the first part of the chapter, definitions of blended learning will be briefly reviewed. Secondly, the role of the learning environment will be explained, drawing upon previous research on learning environments undertaken by Darkenwald and Valentine (1986), mentioning the importance of the learning environment within motivational theories. Thirdly, results of a critical analysis on the own teaching and learning practice will be conducted, comparing the perspective of being a tutor and being a student. Finally, recommendations for future teaching practice will be discussed, before concluding this chapter.


Author(s):  
Gina Tovine ◽  
April Fleetwood ◽  
Andrew Shepherd ◽  
Colton J. Tapoler ◽  
Richard Hartshorne ◽  
...  

While the growth of blended learning environments in higher education and non-educational settings has continued to increase in recent years, this has not been the case in K-12 settings. Recently, in an effort to explore the viability and effectiveness of K-12 blended learning environments, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has been piloting blended learning communities in a number of their schools, providing opportunities to explore factors that influence the effectiveness of K-12 blended learning communities. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to report the results of a study designed to assess conditions that influence the effectiveness of K-12 blended learning communities, and to explore learner, instructor, course, and other factors important to successful blended learning communities. Findings will inform the design, development, and implementation of future K-12 blended teaching and learning environments in an effort to support and strengthen student achievement, the preparation of teachers to facilitate effective blended learning environments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 386-392
Author(s):  
Samar Alharbi

In the modern era of teaching and learning, the education system witnessed many changes. New methods of teaching and learning are utilised in order to adapt to the growth of technology. Teachers used some teaching methods, such as online teaching, face to face teaching or a combination of both online and face to face known as blended learning (BL) environment. BL has been proven its advantages empirically in many studies. One of the significant advantages is that BL is used as an extended learning environment to reinforce knowledge and make learning more accessible by utilising technology and online resources. However, there are some drawbacks of implementing blended learning, such as the demand of time and teachers' efforts to provide feedback and follow up students. This paper examined the use of BL in higher education. The first part of this paper reviewed some empirical studies in BL.  The second part presented the theoretical framework of using BL. Benefits and challenges of implementing BL in higher education regarding Saudi universities are explained. Lastly, the paper concluded with some critical remarks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (27) ◽  
pp. 83-97
Author(s):  
Jyri Lindén ◽  
Mikko Kanninen ◽  
Reijo Kupiainen ◽  
Johanna Annala

The aim of this theoretically oriented review is to examine the role of space and spatial thinking in the changing teaching and learning environments in higher education. The starting point is that educational space is not a pre-set institution or only a physical space but a social construction. As such, space is a crucial element in the learning process and student engagement. In the paper, basic concepts of educational space and spatiality are discussed. The complexity of the relations between spatial understanding and student engagement is demonstrated by referring to a specific drama and theatre course as a case example. The case was a joint master-level course between two European universities (in UK and Finland) where multiple online platforms were used. By the means of the learning space in the case, we discuss the nexus of spaces, comprising a dynamic spatial plurality across the learning environments. Blurring boundaries between formal and informal spaces seems to give room for meaningful and embodied experiences - social, situational and emotional connectedness with students in different places. Formal ICT solutions of digital learning do not automatically pay enough attention to spatial aspects of learning and engagement. Understanding the connections between spatial thinking and the meanings of engagement and senses of belonging brings vital elements to the development of digital learning and learning environments. Parallel with the discussions of the distinctive role of interaction and communication in digital environments, spatial understanding can offer an important contribution to increase understanding of personal meanings of learning. Based on the theoretical reflections of the presented case, bodily experiences of the sense of “sharing a space” appears to interrelate with the feelings of belonging and ownership in learning.


Author(s):  
María Fernanda Aldana Vargas ◽  
Luz Adriana Osorio

ABSTRACTThe present work is based on the systematization of the experience of the Conecta-TE Center of the Universidad de los Andes for 10 years in the counseling of professors and academic units. This document describes the pedagogical guidelines for the design of blended courses for the transformation of teaching and learning processes. Once the methodology was systematized, it was applied in 15 higher education courses. The results obtained indicate that the guidelines create possibilities for the development of the pedagogical knowledge of the teacher by impacting their beliefs and pedagogical practices.RESUMENEl presente trabajo se basa en la sistematización de la experiencia del Centro Conecta-TE de la Universidad de los Andes a lo largo 10 años en la asesoría a profesores y unidades académicas. En el presente documento se describen los lineamientos pedagógicos para el diseño de cursos en modalidad blended para la transformación de procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Una vez sistematizada la metodología, fue aplicada en 15 cursos de educación superior. Los resultados obtenidos indican que los lineamientos crean posibilidades para el desarrollo del conocimiento pedagógico del profesor al impactar sus creencias y prácticas pedagógicas.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansureh Kebritchi ◽  
Angie Lipschuetz ◽  
Lilia Santiague

Online education changes all components of teaching and learning in higher education. Many empirical studies have been conducted to examine issues in delivering online courses; however, few have synthesized prior studies and provided an overview on issues in online courses. A review of literature using Cooper’s framework was conducted to identify such issues. Three major categories of findings were identified: issues related to online learners, instructors, and content development. Learners’ issues included learners’ expectations, readiness, identity, and participation in online courses. Instructors’ issues included changing faculty roles, transitioning from face-to-face to online, time management, and teaching styles. Content issues included the role of instructors in content development, integration of multimedia in content, role of instructional strategies in content development, and considerations for content development. To address these challenges in online education, higher education institutions need to provide professional development for instructors, trainings for learners, and technical support for content development.


Author(s):  
Frederic Fovet

This chapter examines active blended learning and universal design for learning in context within the lived professional experience of the author. The tension between both of these approaches to teaching and learning is first analyzed and explored through a series of vignettes. In the second stage, an analysis is carried out to identify ways in which the tension between both paradigms can be resolved by practitioners in higher education. The final stage of the chapter conceptualizes this empirical reflection and offers a model that can be used in professional development activities with faculty to guide them seamlessly as they attempt to reconcile these 21st century imperatives of teaching and learning in one progressive, cohesive, and coherent discourse.


Author(s):  
Karen Weller Swanson ◽  
Mary Kayler

As institutions look for ways to increase enrollment and students seek greater flexibility in their learning environments, blended learning is emerging as the best of both worlds. This chapter will discuss why both students and instructors choose blended learning (BL) and the benefits of BL pedagogically. The layers of software required to support BL will be briefly described for the purpose of supporting a discussion of the tools used to design online learning. The role of assessment and the need to create communities of practice within a BL environment will be illustrated. With a changing emphasis from software and function to one of learning outcomes, this chapter will present Learning Activities Management Systems (LAMS) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards which focus on the advancement of instructional design. ISTE will be introduced as a framework for students and instructors to gauge their teaching and learning goals.


Author(s):  
Bill Johnston

Bill Johnston will review selected current thinking on the nature of learning environments in higher education and identify how this work can be applied to course (re)design and curriculum renewal in universities. He will outline his thinking on curriculum renewal as a means of developing the Information Literate University (ILU) as a key node of lifelong learning in complex and diverse societies.


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