What is Flexible Learning? Wk 2

After reading the Collis and Moonen (2001) article I was interested in the four key components required for flexible learning - Technology, Pedagogy, Implementation strategies and Institutional framework. I am most interested in the area of technology, especially at present. Collis and Moonen (2001) talk about technology as being a combination of information and communication technologies, these basically being computers and the software and systems used on them. I don't have a lot of experience with the range of technologies that are available though am always interested in learning.

Is Flexible learning a new concept or just a fancy new word for an old way of doing?

Well according to Collis and Moonen (2001), flexible learning isn't a new concept and is in fact a concept that has been around for many years. I have to admit I was (yes my opinion has now changed!) one to put my hand up in believing that flexible learning really just meant online or distance learning. As they put it, its about giving the learner choices, choices about locations, choices about times and choices about what types of resources they use. I have to admit I really hadn't thought of guest lectures and debates as examples of flexible learning before. Though I don't think the concept of Flexible Learning is necessarily new I do think many aspects of this concept continue to develop and are new. What was originally thought to be Flexible quickly becomes outdated and then there is scope to develop further. Especially in terms of technology. For example Correspondence Schools are definitely a example of flexible delivery. However the idea of sending out hard copies of work and returning assessments by post has given way to using the internet and email to access course work and return assessments.

What are you doing in your practice that you believe enables flexible learning?

Well up until today I was confident that I was involved in a range of activities that enabled flexible learning. (this is where I will have a moan about technology). I am very involved in the postgraduate courses at the School of Occupational Therapy. These courses are run 100% by distance. This allows for a wide range of therapists to enrol and complete postgrad courses from where they live. Now we have a number of therapists from not only around the country but also from around the world. Currently there are therapists from Malaysia, UK and Saudi Arabia. The courses are taught through a combination of teleconferences and blackboard discussions. Well low and behold there are huge issues with blackboard at present and a significant number of our students aren't able to access blackboard. Which means that a major component of the courses cant be access by a number of the students.

Now I know that flexible learning is not just online learning but using the online technology was chosen so we could engage students we wouldn't of otherwise. I like how in the "Australian Flexible Learning Framework" site they state that flexible learning isn't a goal in itself rather improving the learning experience and the learning outcomes are. Currently I don't believe the learning experience is particularly successful for a number of students experiencing the difficulties.

Phew! Its a big topic and there seems to be a lot to think about. I will continue to attempt to think about it.

Reference:
Collis, B., Monnen, J. (2001). Flexible Learning in a Digital World: Open and Distance
Learning Series. London: Degan page Ltd.

Week Two

I just wanted to say I have done the readings for this weeks questions I just haven't had time to put my thoughts on the blog because I am currently involved in Masters School and will be till the end of Friday. I am hoping to get my responses up during the weekend. I don't want to get behind!

Well I've done it

Hi everyone

Well the thought of creating a blog and actually doing it seems to be quite different. I was wondering if I would be able to do it but have pleasantly surprised myself!

About me - I am very new to Otago Polytechnic, have been here 5 weeks! I am at the School of Occupational Therapy. I lecture in the degree programme and co-ordinate the postgraduate programmes. Very busy and very interesting. Until moving to academia I was working clinically, my area of expertise is in Forensic Psychiatry, which is a specialist area of Mental Health.

I'm doing this course because I am just starting out on my teaching career and also am involved with our postgraduate programme. This is taught entirely by distance and I think the skills and knowledge I gain from this course will be invaluable. I'm also beginning my Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching and this will count towards it.

I'm a little naive when it comes to technology and what is available so I am keen to learn. At the moment I don't have questions but I'm sure they will come in thick and fast as we move through the course. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone over the coming weeks.