INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY
SELF DIRECTED LEARNING
Changes that Influence Informal Learning
Lifestyle changes- more people are choosing informal learning now because they are involved in more demanding jobs in the workplace now more than ever and home dynamics is calling for a more diverse learning lifestyle.
Adults see the need to further their education but their job’s demands don’t allow them the time to physically sit in a classroom setting
Many jobs today require more extensive traveling and their need for mobility to further their education is essential. As a result, distant learning is the ideal choice.
Students are learning their particular learning styles and are finding that the kinesthetic learning style fits better with informal learning. They are able to do more activities which enhances their learning experience. They are able understand and connect concepts better than in the formal classroom setting which is mostly auditory and visual learning styles.
Technology Spurs Engagment in Learners
Smartboards, Blogs and Wikis create a forum for learners and instructors to participate in online conversations. These tools give immediate access to all learners.
Animoto, Xtranormal, SchoolTube allow instructors to create presentations with videos, music, photos, video clips so facilitators can choose the content and narrative. The visual effects draws the learner into the content.
Edutopia, Khan Academy, Learnzillion, Museumbox have innovative and interactive learning environments of media resources, videos, best practices, classroom tools, help with learner motivation and collaboration.
Jeopardy Labs Create customized jeopardy templates using Jeopardy Labs. The games are easy to create and can be accessed and played online.
Significant Change for Self-Directed Learner
Nesbit 2012 addresses this question in an article pertaining to self-directed learning as it applies to leadership development. He states the development of three “Metaskills” must occur.
Metaskills are the ability to manage emotional reactions, effectively self reflect, and enact self- regulatory processes for development.
Managing emotional reactions is the ability to receive and process criticism without an emotional reaction resulting in disruptive behavior
Self-reflection is the process of looking inward both for direction and reward
Enact self-regulatory processes requires moving from a reactive learner to a proactive learner
References and Creators
Bellanca. J., & Brandt, B. (2010). 21st Century Skills: Rethinking how students learn.
Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press
Nesbit, P (2012). Human resources development review. Retrieved from
http://hrd.sagepub.com/content/11/2/203.short. Retrieved on November 16.
University of Phoenix. Retrieved from https://www.smore.com. Retrieved on November 16.
University of Phoenix. Retrieved from https://portal.phoenix.edu/home.html. Retrieved on November 16
AET531
Ronald Harrison, Jo'EL Myles, Kamini Patel, and Kimberly Williams-Wilson
November 18, 2013
Professor Lileen Coulloudon