ACTIVITY TWO

Buddys pondering

1. Whilst sitting on my deck pondering one of the world’s great questions "what does the term flexible learning mean to me" my dog and I came up with the following...

Flexible learning is about using the tool that works rather than the tool that is expected. It is about opening your mind to other possibilities and thinking outside the square to nudge both students and teachers towards the desired outcome. 
Karen Corcoran, OP Flexible learning 2013

inspiration

2. I am finding that is necessary to use a more flexible approach to my work the longer I do the role. My students are an incredibly diverse bunch, I've had everyone from a 68yr old builder through to an 18yr old ski patroller, because of this there is a huge difference in both learning style and learning mentality, (the first is definitely easier to address then the second). Flexible learning will push the students comfort zones, it will allow each individual to feel and experience the topic in a way that may help them to understand it just that little bit better and as all of my students are self paced, distance learners it will also allow us to interact more, both as class mates and through student-teacher interaction.

3. What do I need to explore to help this happen?

I need to gain an understanding of -

•   What flexible learning tools are available
•  What context they are best used in
•  How to use each tool
• What application the tools are best used in (within the context of my subject)



Exploration

• Which tools best suit....

o  My course

o  The way my course is delivered (self paced distance learning)

o  My students learning styles

o  My teaching style

o  Time and other constraints

4. GOALS!!!

1. Help with the development of new flexible learning tools for the current online material.
2. Encourage students to use different methods (such as a blog)for submitting material.
3. Introduce video and photos as part of evidence gathering (instead of just attestations).