Bending the Tools Exceeding Expectations of Lifelong Learners

Bending the Tools Exceeding Expectations of Lifelong Learners through Flexible Learning Peter Le Cornu Program Director, Communication and Leadership Australian Flexible Learning Framework flexiblelearning. net. au

Introduction • • • Lifelong Learners Flexible Learning Expectations of Lifelong Learners Using Resources from the Framework How Learners benefit from Flexible Learning flexiblelearning. net. au

Lifelong Learners • Person who takes responsibility for their own learning and prepared to invest “time, money and effort” in education & training on a continuous basis • OECD: Individuals without the capacity for lifelong learning are likely to become marginal to the labour force flexiblelearning. net. au

Learners flexiblelearning. net. au

flexiblelearning. net. au

Barriers to Learning flexiblelearning. net. au

Expectations: Flexible Learning Learners want choice about: When they learn How they learn flexiblelearning. net. au Where they learn What they learn

Expectations: What Learners Value • • • Flexibility/Convenience Interaction with Teacher Quality of Materials & Course Design Access to a wide range of Resources Assessment and Quality Feedback Communication flexiblelearning. net. au

Expectations: Pre-enrolment • Information on what is required to complete the course • Information about the course • Who to approach for help • Information on how to enrol flexiblelearning. net. au

Expectations: Teaching/Learning • Clear instructions on what they are expected to learn • Helpful feedback from teachers • Requirements for assessment • Communication with teachers using a variety of media • Timely feedback from teachers • Engaging Learning flexiblelearning. net. au

Expectations: Technical Support • Quick response to technical problems • Easy access to technical assistance • Provision of technical assistance throughout course • Strategies for checking accuracy/quality of information on the internet • Access to Frequently Asked Questions flexiblelearning. net. au

Expectations: Administration • • Comprehensive information Enrol online Apply for Recognition Pay online Retrieve Results – web / mobile phone Access library resources Job Searching flexiblelearning. net. au

Expectations: Information Age • • I want it now!! Just in time Just for me Pull the best from anywhere in the world flexiblelearning. net. au

Implications PDA / Phone • Transport Industry • Driver has a car accident • Downloads instructions • Lessons learnt reviewed a week later flexiblelearning. net. au

Toolboxes Audio Transcript Scenario flexiblelearning. net. au

Equity Toolboxes flexiblelearning. net. au

Toolbox Usage flexiblelearning. net. au

Toolboxes: impact on learning flexiblelearning. net. au

Adapting a Toolbox • Analyse existing toolbox content against content of course • Analyse the modes of delivery provided by the toolbox against the needs of your students • Activities – use as is, adapt, develop new activities flexiblelearning. net. au

Building Blocks to Reality • “I understand how the frame comes together – I could see how the project looked before I built it, it is so cool. ” • “This method is a lot easier than waiting for the teacher to help you when you are stuck. ” flexiblelearning. net. au

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Learning Centres • • • Example: LIRNSpace Open access Small group Multimedia labs Project development and exhibition spaces • Ion Transmissions – 250 trainees flexiblelearning. net. au

Partnerships • Adelaide Institute of TAFE • Northern Territory Insurance Office • Financial Services Training flexiblelearning. net. au

Learner Comments • Accessibility after hours, flexibility, repetition when I need it. • I work full time on a rotating shift so I can’t get to classes on specific days at specific times. Doing an online course. It’s easy for me to work when I am free. • I can work as I learn and learn as I work. • I can choose when I do modules and I can finish them quicker than the allotted time. • It’s convenient as I have small children. flexiblelearning. net. au

Learner Comments • • I can work at my own pace from home. You can continue just where you left off. No rush. Took my time. Having the freedom to choose when I have time to study and not having to keep to a timetable has been a great benefit to myself. flexiblelearning. net. au

Learner Comments • ‘Think it is good, you can come basically at any time. ’ • ‘Fits in well with working fulltime’; • ‘I can’t give up work so this gives me the opportunity to get skills’; • ‘Works well with school age children’; • ‘I can work around the needs of my three young children’ flexiblelearning. net. au

Learner Comments • ‘I have a disability so this is the only way I can study and not feel pressured to keep up with the other members of the class. I can take longer if I need to’. • ‘As I live 100 km from the nearest TAFE, I would not have been able to partake in these studies under normal circumstances. ’ flexiblelearning. net. au

Franca: Child Care • Franca La Pila • Needed Qualification • No computer background • Used Cyber. Tots Toolbox to gain Cert. III in 6 weeks flexiblelearning. net. au

Flexible Learning: It’s Happening flexiblelearning. net. au

Peter Le Cornu • peter. lecornu@netspeed. com. au • http: //lecornu. blogspot. com • (includes a weblog of current material on Learning, knowledge & technology) • Flexible Learning Website: • http: //flexiblelearning. net. au