The following are replies from my colleagues about what flexible learning means to them.
Reply One
What does the term Flexible Learning mean to you?
Flexible learning or flexible delivery?
Flexible delivery/ learning is a finance driven approach to delivering
education more cheaply, by not having to supply venue, materials etc to offsite
students. It enables a much larger staff/student ratio. It has its place
in making available resources and online assessments but in my opinion,
and that of students i have spoken to, who are doing “distance learning “ It is
not as effective as the hyperbole suggests as a means of .
Why is it necessary to use a more flexible approach in your work?
Educationalists are under pressure are under pressure to deliver ( what
appears to be) more for less, in order to maintain our jobs and positions and
to keep our courses open , we must be seen to be doing what the academics who
drive these trends would have us do.
The rise in the internet does make options for the presentation and
sourcing of course materials more varied and hence, presentation of those
materials can be more adaptable.
What do you need to explore to make this happen?
The internet, computers, various programmes and systems
What goals do you have for using Flexible Learning in your work?
Making more course material available through shared drives, develop
some on line assessment.
I see some challenges are felt by the first colleague regarding flexible learning approaches. The reality for many teachers can be the challenges of sustaining the status quo. Often people don't have any time in their busy workloads to explore new technologies or new methods in teaching. Perhaps your ideas will be too infectious to ignore.
ReplyDeleteCertainly Hortykim is embracing open education with zest, and enjoying it - a bonus. I love that her students are such busy bees capturing the fun on camera for later. Two good interviews and both very different - well done.
What is the secret to keeping ones optimism in the face of such a changing environment?
The education environment is challenging at the best of times, and new pressures seem to be added daily.
DeleteThe secret to survival is to always remember that at the end of the day it is the needs of the student that matter.
The secret to optimism is to find something that excites and inspires you, and hang on like crazy.