This presentation offers a perspective on what it means for individuals to learn in the information age and examines challenges concerning learner control and self-direction. Supporting learners and learning are also discussed and considers how the PLE (personal learning environment) idea, as a methodology, can deliver holistic support within and beyond institutional learning engagements

1. Self-directed and lifelong learning in the information age: Can PLEs help? Nona Muldoon [email_address]

7. Learning in the information age Most Australian universities have adopted a model of formal learning heavily entrenched in LMS. (Jones & Muldoon, 2007)

9. My context

10. Changing nature of L&T Technology remains the catalyst for change So what are the impacts “… much of this turns out to be fundamentally about enduring educational problems and issues, rather than anything dramatically new and transformational” (Candy, 2004, p. 39)

14. Doing old things in the new medium http://flickr.com/photos/isuspecialcollections/2388279294/ http://flickr.com/photos/scosborne/2264512063/ “… existing pedagogy is retained and simply transferred to the new medium, the LMS” (Jones & Muldoon, 2007, p. 451)

18. NUTR19001 – PLD Example 1 Principled learning design (PLD): *theory of learning guides the design, *aligned curriculum, *integrates authentic learning activities and assessment.

21. OCHS13007 – PLD Example 2

22. OCHS13007 – PLD Example 2 Blogging is the means to an end… not an end in itself  aids in managing portfolio Develop skills for life  learning with vs learning about the tool for lifelong learning

23. OCHS13007 – PLD Example 2 “ All the assessment is real world stuff, this helps a lot because we can actually use these assessment pieces as documents to further our chance of obtaining a job. ” OCHS13007 student, Term 1 2008 “ The assessment prepares for practicum, and engages you in reflection upon practicum and when finished. ” OCHS13007 student, Term 1 2008

26. ACCT19064 – PLD Example 3

27. ACCT19064 – PLD Example 3 Affordances of technology  LMS + other technologies  used as a catalyst within which authentic learning, and support mechanisms were mediated

28. Second Life - Machinimas

29. ACCT19064 – PLD Example 3 “ The concept is right. I work in an accounting firm, and the course is relevant to what happens in a real accounting firm, and the situations we are face with. In that regard, it is much better than the old course content. ” ACCT19064 student, Term 1 2008 “ The fact that I learned and retained subject matter as a result of the structure of the course. I can’t say the same for other subjects. A lot of this has really sunk in. ” ACCT19064 student, Term 1 2008