Self Directed Learningfor users of mobile technology

Self Directed Learningfor users of mobile technology

presented by Carla Kaiserpresented by Carla Kaiser

challenge:

A busy working mom has had her original Apple iPhone since it came out in 2007.

Meanwhile, her AT&T contract is up for renewal and she is eligible for a phone upgrade.

Her research indicated the Motorola Atrix 4G with the Android operating system would be the best choice.

Since this busy lady is only familiar with the Apple operating system, her challenge is learn about the new phone's capabilities and familiarize herself with the new interface.

application:

• This learner has a legitimate need, and there aren’t many formal learning opportunities that will help her.

• She will inevitably take responsibility for her own learning, and will learn about her new phone from informal life experience.

• She is motivated to take time to learn because her new phone has many features that her old phone did not have, and this excites her. Plus, she knows that the sooner she learns about her new phone, the sooner she will return to efficiency when conducting business on her mobile device.

the approach

Busy Working Mom wants to master the camera on her new phone. She likes to upload photos of Baby to her Facebook profile immediately after the picture is taken (establishes her own learning goals).

After researching on the Internet, she discovered that both AT&T and Motorola have excellent user forums to help people adapt to new equipment, and also investigated photo apps in the Android marketplace (identified her own learning resources).

She read the information and practiced by taking a picture of herself and Baby with the front facing camera, then updating her Facebook profile pic (implemented strategy)

She decided the photo was unflattering, and proceeded to experiment with camera settings to find the best option (evaluating outcomes)

conclusion

When there is a learning situation that involves mobile technology (integrated within the learner’s daily life), Self Directed Learning is a useful learning approach.

Self Directed Learning happens on its own when people embrace new advances in technology, but motivation is the key. People who fear change or have inflexible mental attitudes may not experience great results with Self Directed Learning as it applies to new technology.