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Mini-course Overview

Learners and workers of the 21st century will be required to access and harness the vast resources available on the Internet. In the workplace, individuals are required to problem-solve and make informed decisions. To provide a cost-effective professional development options, corporate training programs are increasingly focused on the independently completed computer-based training programs. Educational institutions are working to prepare individuals for the new structure of the workplace and to meet the demands of learners themselves. Increasingly, these institutions are turning to distance learning and computer-based training options.

The challenge is that not all individuals are prepared to take on these independent learning opporunities. Unfortunately, some individuals will struggle and never obtain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.

Instructors and instructional designers have the opportunity to prepare learners for the 21st century by integrating self-directed learning concepts into existing instruction. Essentially, preparing individuals in a classroom setting for indepenent learning options in the future.

The goal of this mini-course is to determine how instructors can prepare students for self-directed learning. Upon completion of this mini-course, participants will be able to:

• describe the main aspects of self-directed learning

• identify the learner characteristics necessary for self-directed learning

• examine specific methods to foster self-directed learning

• demonstrate the application of effective self-directed learning methods

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