Learning

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The barriers between formal and informal learning are beginning to blur with initiatives from outside institutions such as Badging and Moocs, Peer to Peer Personal Learning Networks, Ad hoc and Social Networking and Digital Literacy elements also beginning to play a much greater role in Learning at HE level.

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A key speech in this area was Martin Bean\'s (VIce Chancellor of the OU) Speech at ALT 2009 (see link) where he talks about Learning in HE becoming international - the massification of learning - learning on a larger scale with more participants.

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The privatisation of learning where private firms who value shareholder value above social access implement technological change with faster, more agile and innovative solutions to provide the uptake of HE globally thus making them a formidable competitor to traditional teaching methods.

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He also refers to the rise of social networking and how that might be used to follow students rather than a traditional push model within these contexts.

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In the light of these opinions the traditonal and progressive (emergent) tools, systems and networks beginning to emerge are outlined. This is a fast moving arena and, where possible, we have tried to search for research of use in this area.

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Even literature outlining the use of e-tools a few years ago is quickly becoming redundant as the very arenas of learning and the process by which people are learning are beginning to be changed by the use of technology to aid connectivity.

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The advice, as with all sections, is to follow the links to those active, dynamic groups involved in these arenas to find the latest practice and research.

Copy of Unit 6: E-tools of teaching and Learning