The Pre-College Institute Pathways Service Learning Tutors is an ever-evolving group of undergraduate students from San Diego State University, with over 120 service-learners this academic year the training on logistical systems and expectations takes up a large amount of my time. My first two semesters were full of preparing for the training, facilitating the training and then holding numerous makeup sessions for all the students who could not make the mandatory Saturday session. ISTE Standard B states that professional learning programs should “Design, develop, and implement technology-rich professional learning programs that model principles of adult learning and promote digital age best practices in teaching, learning, and assessment”. Since beginning my journey at Pathways I have been given autonomy and freedom to design and create learning opportunities that will support and grow our program. This leads me to wonder…
What are the most relevant adult learning principles for service-learners and how can technology play a part in the access, facilitation, and assessment of the learning for these future professional educators?
Learning Solutions- Uncanny Owl shares the best practices for digital training in a virtual classroom.
The Pathways Digital Learning is not at this level…yet. Currently, we are at the Engagement stage highlighted in Learning First, Technology Second by Liz Klob. Specifically, we are meeting our goal of respecting the time constraints of our busy tutors with “Active Learning- The technology allows students to self-pace through the tool, with supports to stay on the learning task” (Kolb, p 42). In looking at the assets of our current Digital Learning System we are focusing the learning on program logistics that are a foundation to the success of our tutors as they work within our 20 partner school and not the technology itself. Adult learners like K-12 learners thrive on feedback that is purposeful and anchored in an objective or outcome. We have revised our assessment to give live feedback based on the answers chosen which support student learning while giving intentional and timely feedback. Tom V. Ark states “Better Feedback. Adaptive learning systems and platforms are providing real-time feedback, and digital curriculum usually includes the embedded assessment.”(Ark.T.V 2017). We are on a path towards improvement although I see an immediate opportunity for differentiation to engage the virtual learner.
Adam Stone from Learning Solutions writes that when it comes to videos of Digital Learning simplicity sends a clear and efficient message. “Look at it this way. The online experience tends to be self-navigated. While there are certain instructor-curated touchpoints, much course material must be discovered and ingested by students through their own efforts. It’s up to the instructor, therefore, to offer ease of access” (Stone, 2017). Could the use of videos be one of the entry points for differentiated learning? Another growth opportunity presents itself with our current eLearning system, as we move towards what Kolb identifies as Enhancement how can our learning promote self-navigation?
So there you have it, I am owning that my current reality is one of practice and reflection. Throughout the learning of this module, I have found many expert references that will fuel the growth of the Digital Learning for the Pathways Tutors; who knows maybe my findings will support the future coursework to take on a hybrid form? I do know that I am on the right path, a path that will be paved with listening skills, student feedback, and reflective practice.
References:
Ark, T. V. (2017, September 21). 10 Current and Emerging Trends in Adult Learning. Retrieved January 27, 2020, from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/09/10-current-and-emerging-trends-in-adult-learning/
International Society for Technology in Education. (2020). Home | ISTE. Retrieved February 1, 2020, from https://www.iste.org
Kolb, L. (2017b). Learning First, Technology Second: The Educator’s Guide to Designing Authentic Lessons. Portland, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Learning Solutions. (2017, February 15). Five Best Practices When Converting Classroom Content for the Virtual Classroom. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/2219/five-best-practices-when-converting-classroom-content-for-the-virtual-classroom
