2008 - 2013 Flexible Learning Course

Brainstorm of flexible learning dimensions by bronwynannh

You may be interested to read the range of ideas the class discussed in the first workshop. Click on the image to enlarge it. The image shows the outcomes of the brainstorm about the meaning of flexible learning. For example choice, structure and change were mentioned, along with anytime, anyhow, anywhere learning, resources and sustainability. The consensus from the group was that too much choice was not sustainable because organisational systems and infrastructure and Ministry of Education requirements often dictated procedures (e.g., deadlines for results).

People worked in pairs to discuss the five dimensions of flexibility – entry requirements, delivery and logistics, time, instructional approaches and resources, content.

1. What you are currently teaching and the main characteristics of your learners.
2. Explain to your partner how you currently teach in two of the dimensions.
3. Draw a mind map to illustrate the main points.
4. Are there any areas you would like to change to provide more flexibility? Why?

Watch the blogs to find out more about the discussions as the activity this week is focused on the five dimensions for flexibility. For example, Kevin mentioned his students are mainly male and in the younger age group where practical skills are key. However, theory is also taught and integrated with project-based learning and e-portfolios.

You should all have received a hard copy reading this week. Please let me know if it has not arrived.
Chapter one - Flexible learning: it’s not just about distance. By Collis, B. & Moonen, J. (2001). Flexible learning in a digital world. Open and Distance learning series. London: Kogan Page Ltd.

Blackberries by Szlagor

Blackberry season is upon us. You will discover through the type of pictures I use on the blog that I have an interest in the natural world as well as flexible learning. Last week I met nine of the people taking this course - seven in the workshop on-campus, and two in the web conference. We had some very interesting discussions about your understanding of flexible learning - more on this on a later post. I have been in touch with some of you who could not make it to class.  I will be in touch with you soon if I haven't heard from you already just to say hello. I am really looking forward to reading your introductions on your blogs, and finding out more about you. There are 13 people taking this course so there should be lots of different experiences to hear about and share.

Chocolate fish this week for Roger and Christine who have put links to their blogs on the Moodle discussion forum.  I have now listed links to Roger and Christine's blogs here on the Course blog. There is also a link to the Course wiki on the blog.  Please get your blog links up there this week. If you wish to use Moodle as the entry to the course - links to the Course wiki and Course blog are now available there, plus a link to Moodle chat if anyone wants to use that facility.

Subscribing to other participants' blogs
It saves time if you subscribe to each blog. Instructions on how to do this are in the Introduction  section 1.1.3 Subscribing to other peoples' blogs. 

This week's topic
Now is your chance to really explore flexible learning and find answers to the question on the topic - What is Flexible Learning?  Last week in class we discussed Flexible Learning as anytime, anywhere, anyhow learning where student choice and structure were regarded as important. We also started looking at the five dimensions of flexible learning.  Check out the readings on the wiki. This week you need to complete activity two.  Contact me if you need help finding a buddy.

Activity Two: Find yourself a buddy in the class, and discuss the following questions:

• What does the term Flexible Learning mean to you?
• Why is it necessary to use a more flexible approach in your work?
• What do you need to explore to help this happen?
• What goals do you have for using Flexible Learning in your work?
• Post responses to your blog. 

Figure 2. The five dimensions of flexibility (Source: Collis and Moonen, 2004)

A post is coming shortly about the class sessions last week where we discussed the five dimensions.