Location
Glasgow Caledonion University Glasgow United Kingdom
55° 51' 56.2572" N, 4° 15' 26.0028" W
See map:
Google MapsLearning for Work 25th of March 2010, The Caledonian Academy, Glasgow Caledonian University William Harley Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA
Understanding the ways individuals operate as independent or self-regulated learners in educational settings and in the workplace is an important component of enhancing transition from education to the workplace. Most previous work on these issues has focused on individual learning activities, ignoring the role of the collective in supporting the individual, co-constructing knowledge, and influencing goals and motivations. An important, yet frequently overlooked component, are the networks that learners develop during their study in university, the impact these have, and how they are maintained and extended when new graduates enter the workplace, the resources learners draw on (human and physical, face-to face and online), and the reasons why they choose these resources. During this session, participants will debate the following key questions:
- How can universities prepare individuals to function effectively in the contemporary and future workplace?
- What is the role of groups, networks and the collective in knowledge work and work-related learning?
- What emerging technologies are useful in supporting work-related learning?
Keynote speaker:
Dr. Peter B. Sloep is a professor of Technology Enhanced Learning at the Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies of the Open University of the Netherlands. He directs the Research and Technology Development Programme on Learning Networks. His research focuses on learning and professional development in networked, online environments. Of particular interest are the social affordances and their technical implementation in services that make learning in such an environment effective, efficient, enjoyable and sustainable. Dr. Sloep is a reviewer of several journals on Technology Enhanced Learning. He also chairs the Dutch standards body’s (NEN) committee on learning technologies.
Abstract:
In the knowledge society, we cannot afford to stop learning after graduation; knowledge workers should continue educating themselves throughout their entire professional live. Although this understanding is wide-spread, we seem reluctant to adapt our traditional formal teaching methods to the needs and wants of these professional learners. And yet this is needed as they demand customised learning opportunities in terms of content, pedagogy and logistics. The notion of a Learning Network is an attempt to respond to those demands. Learning Networks are online social networks that have been designed to foster non-formal learning for professionals. Crucial to their design is that learners take centre stage rather than institutions. The latter still do play an important role as providers of a variety of services that should assist the learner - such as coaching, tutoring, consulting, assessing (of prior learning, formative and summative). Ultimately, Learning Networks will become online meeting points where professionals with shared interests learn, mutually exchange knowledge, and become creative.
If you would like to take part in this meeting please book a place by the sending following details to Fiona.McBeth@gcal.ac.uk and please put ‘SSeLF’ as a reference in the subject. Places will be reserved on first-come basis.
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More information about the meeting and other SSeLF activities you can find on our site http://uk-sself.ning.com/ . Feel free to join the online platform and the community.
