Blending the Learning

GUIDING THE ADULT LEARNER TO DESIGN EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS IN A DIGITAL CLASSROOM

DR. MARK KNIGHTEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL PLATFORMSPUYALLUP SCHOOL DISTRICT

What do these mean to you?

Think about the following terms and how they are alike and not alike in a classroom setting:

• Personalized

• Individualized

• Differentiated

According to ISTE

Individualized = has the same goals for all students but the progress is based on student speed

Differentiated = goals change based on student need

Personalized = tailored to the preference and interest and also paced for the student need

What is Blended Learning?

A means by which a student learns at least in part through delivery of content and instruction via digital and online media with some element of student control over

time, place, path, or pace.

How are districts attempting to blend learning?

BYOD 1:1 Initiatives LMS eLearning OER’s

What are the costs associated with all of these initiatives?

How are districts paying for all of this???

The Problem… Adults

Are often the least comfortable with technology Have a difficult time giving up control making “personalized” learning an

uncomfortable means of instruction Are responsible for designing the learning for students

Students Are often comfortable with technology Will never see the benefits of blended learning if adults are not able to design

quality classroom experiences

Sustainability Public will determine quality and will exercise their voting rights

Role of the Principal

Establish a vision for blended learning Guide professional development for the adults in the building

Understand the adults in your care Understand the differences in adult vs student learning

Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997)

An American adult educator famous for the adoption of the theory of andragogy

Andragogy - the method and practice of teaching adult learners; adult education

#1 - Self Concept

Adults are more independent than children, able to self-direct their behavior towards models of self-control and responsibility. 

How can this be applied to blended learning? This characteristic is best supported by providing minimal intrusive instruction and maximum guidance and support. Professional development can guide the student and provide ample resources while still leaving them relatively autonomous to ‘discover’ much of the information and incorporate it as they need to, within their learning requirements.

#2 - Adult Learner Experience

An adult has a pool of experience and memory on which to draw during the learning process. 

Application to blended learning? Having strong knowledge of the learner and their actual experience and ongoing needs before designing professional development is imperative. Since adult learning tends to be more goal oriented than child learning, utilizing specific experiences to demonstrate how the information is relevant to the learner is key.

#3 – Readiness to Learn

An adult is more willing and able to learn task-specific materials as they relate to their development socially and professionally. 

How does this apply to blended learning? Creating an environment for learning within professional development that is relevant to the learner’s social and professional development will enhance their desire to participate. If the learner sees a social benefit to the learning, they will be far more likely to engage. Goal specific learning isn’t just about learning a new task but can also incorporate things like social networking, group learning, peer reviews and more.

#4 - Orientation to Learning

The perspective of an adult towards learning is different in that it is focused on the immediate need for the knowledge, versus a more long term application. An adult’s learning needs are more problem-focused rather than learning an entire subject matter. Example? A child learns algebra; an adult might learn the specific application of certain equations to deal with a financial issue. 

Application in blended learning? Ensuring that the students are clear from outset of how the professional development will apply to them and their situations guarantees their buy-in. Real world examples that are specific to them or the organization they work for are the most tangible and effective.

#5 – Motivation to Learn

Whereas most children have external motivators to learn (teachers, parents, etc.), adults are, for the most part, self-motivated. 

How does this apply to e-Learning? If the learner knows why they are doing the professional development and when they will be able to apply the knowledge received, their internal motivation will be engaged easily. Otherwise, it will be easy and likely that they will question why their participation in necessary.

Four Principals of Andragogy

Taking these five assumption into account, Knowles then postulated four principles of andragogy - principles that are more or less essential to understanding what is needed to successfully develop adult learning opportunities::

1. Adults need to be involved in the planning of their instruction and overall educational plan.

2. Actual experiences need to be leveraged as the basis for learning activities. This includes errors as well as successes.

3. In order to be effective, learning modules need to be immediately relevant to the learner’s job or life.

4. The material being taught needs to be focused on a specific issue rather than a general topic.

Pedagogy

vs

Andragogy

Design the Learner Experience – 1:1 Devices

Mr. Brune - Math

• Hates technology• Answers email

occasionally• Strict authoritarian• Method of instruction =

direct• Students receive practice

via worksheets• Knowledgeable about

subject area but doesn’t seek out new learning

Mr. McClure - Science

• Is comfortable with technology• Attempts to bring in media

resources during lessons• Uses humor in the classroom• Method of instruction = mostly

direct/some differentiation• Knowledgeable about subject

area and attends pro dev occasionally

Mrs. Swanson – Social Studies

• Loves technology• Uses media resources during

lessons on a daily basis to meet learning objectives

• Has acquired 10 laptops for the classroom

• Method of instruction = student discovery through small groups/differentiated lessons

• Loves pro dev!!