Internet Searching and Self-Directed Learning

As we come to grip with these topsy-turvy times, there has been a major shift in student learning. No longer is the learning in the traditional confinements of a classroom but over the computers we now all seem to be connected through. How then can we as educators ensure student success when we are not there to physical support one on one growth. Before I talked about how blogs are transforming this new dynamic but how about students and their responsibility on their learning.

After reviewing academic sources on self-directed learning (SDL) I’ve come to recognize what drives students to learn. What is important for educators is that we allow students to have autonomy but within a certain playing field. If we scaffold objectives in ways that nurture curiosity, increase student motivation, deepen understandings of new concepts, and develop a growth mindset of our students they can find true value in their work. However, when reading I’ve come across many challenges of online SDL. The first is that learners need to develop communication strategies that are more relevant to text-based online learning context (Song & Hill, 2007). As educators setting up clear lines of conversation for students will allow them to achieve success. Another issue was centred on the delayed response time from instructors; therefore, I believe less is more. If instructions are clear and concise students will be able to understand what is needed and can start to evolve into more autonomous learners. By using resources like YouTube and blogging students will be able to find many answers for themselves.

Resources like YouTube noted above have opened the door to many different perspectives. This allows students to build a vast amount of knowledge. However, we as educators must caution as students need to evaluate the validity and reliability of the resources accessed (Song & Hill, 2007). By providing valid online resources and videos students can build a foundational knowledge. As well blogs are another fantastic way for students to ask questions they are confused about. All over the internet there are blogs just about anything. By creating a list of the valid ones out there students are then able to explore for themselves and guide much of their learning. In relation to social studies, documentaries are a great tool for SDL. I can remember Canada A Peoples History from Grade 7 but if we can allow students to explore beyond this they will find resources that interests them.

As the internet grows so will the resources out there. By moving away from less direct instruction students will be able to get answers through the world around them. In one final note, what worries me most about SDL online is procrastination. No longer will students be in the traditional confinements of a classroom. It is important that we help layout some objectives for students to achieve so their planning and organization grows. When the students become more effective from working at home, we can ensure they have created a positive learning space and provide more autonomy. It is important with SDL that it is not 100% of freedom right away. We must nourish the students like babies teach them to crawl, walk, then run. Once they can run that is when students can truly self direct their own learning.

Signing off,

Mr. Gyles.

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Resources

How Technology Supports Self-Directed Learning. (2013). In EdTechReview. Retrieved May 210th, 2020, from https://edtechreview.in/news/824-how-technology-supports-self-directed-learning

The Ins and Outs of Self-Directed Learning in the Classroom. (2017). In IXL: Official Blog. Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://blog.ixl.com/2017/02/28/the-ins-and-outs-of-self-directed-learning-in-the-classroom/

Song, L. & Hill, J. (2007). A Conceptual Model for Understanding Self-Directed Learning in Online. Journal of Interactive Online Learning Vol 6, (1). 27-42. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250699716_A_Conceptual_Model_for_Understanding_Self-Directed_Learning_in_Online_Environments