Improving self-directed learning through the use of Learning objects and Personal Learning Environments

Self-directed learning

What is Self directed learning?

Self directed learning is any study form in which individuals have primary responsability for planning, implementing, and even evaluating the effort. (Hiemstra,1994 )

It occurs when learners control both the learning objectives and the means of learning. That is, learners engage in SDL by making their own decisions about what and how they are going to learn (Lowry, 1989)

Self-directed Learning Model

LEARNING OBJECTS• Any grouping of materials (learning activities) that

is structured in a meaningful way and is tied to an educational objective ( Johnson, 2003)

• Elements of a new type of computer-based instruction grounded in the object-oriented paradigm of computer science. (David A. Wiley, 2000).

• They are modular resources, usually digital and web-based, that can be used and re-used to support learning activities.

According to Dahl & Nygaard, 1966 learning objects are characterized as an instructional technology that leads teachers for the position of technology of choice in the next generation of instructional design, development, and delivery, due to its potential for:

reusability, customizability,

adaptability, scalability

• Teachers who incorporate learning objects can collaborate on and benefit immediately from new versions.

• A learning object targets a particular goal or set of goals and is designed to motivate and stimulate the interest or curiosity of an identified population of learners.

Taken from: Alvarez, P. (2013). Conceptualizing and characterizing a learning object.

• Content of the material• Pedagogical potential• File types, copyright and

accessibility

Parts of a Learning Object

A learning object is “packaged” to include a lesson, an activity, and an assessment. The most reusable learning objects will have a learning outcome that is concrete and fundamental to a broad range of courses.

• Use friendly language.• Provide tutorials to your students.• Check the accessibility• Provide a sense of achievement.• Provide short and clear instructions.• Avoid ambiguity.

https://softchalkconnect.com/lesson/serve/5JHQUpijx2LEqn/html

Personal learning environmentsWhat is a PLE?

1. Platform. 2. Learner-centric.3. Constructivism, connectivism and self-directed learning. 4. Formal and informal learning objects (Waters, 2008). 5. Feedback.

Self-directed Learning Strategies for Teachers

• Teachers should make students aware of their role in their own learning and encourage each student to take initiative in their learning.

• Teachers must support students in their learning process by providing opportunities for help and discussion so students don’t feel like they are working on their own.

• Teachers should teach students a variety of learning strategies and ensure they can properly use them.

• Teachers should teach students the value of revision and critical appraisal in their work.

• Teachers should encourage Independence and a positive attitude toward learning.

• Teachers should investigate learners’ needs and interests and how to support them.

• A tutorial and formal inquiry process should occur to allow students to discuss and make connections in their material.

• Control of the learning process should shift from teacher to student as the student gains more experience with the concepts of self-directed learning so that eventually students decide what they should learn and how to learn the material.

• Being a self-directed learner teaches a student to be motivated, self-disciplined and persistent. Students also develop a confidence in their own abilities and become more goal-oriented while enjoying their learning.

http://www.selfdirectedlearning.com/becoming-self-directed/activity-2-how-self-directed-are-you.html

How self-directed learner

are you?

References• Garrison, D. (1997).” Self-directed learning: Toward a comprehensive

model”. Retrieved from Adult. Education Quarterly, 48(1), 18-33. • Gibbons, M. (2013) "Self-Directed Learning". Retrieved from

http://selfdirectedlearning.com/about-maurice-gibbons.html• Hiemstra, R. "Self-Directed Learning" Retrieved from

http://www-distance.syr.edu/sdlhdbk.html

• http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Self_Directed/• • http://www.selfdirectedlearning.com/• • What are Digital Learning Objects?. Retrieved from: http://

library.csun.edu/docs/ScholarWorks/LearningObjectsClarification.pdf• Wiley, David. A. (2002) "Connecting Learning Objects to Instructional Design Theory: A

Definition, a• Metaphor, and a Taxonomy." The Instructional Use of Learning Objects (Bloomington,

IN: Agency for• Instructional Technology) http://reusability.org/read/chapters/wiley.doc