Self-directed Lea

rning and Technol

ogy
Jessy Anna Kuruvilla
"Self-directed learning describes a process in which
individuals take the initiative, with or without the help
of others, in diagnosing their learning needs,
formulating learning goals, identifying human and
material resources for learning, choosing and
implementing appropriate learning strategies, and
evaluating learning outcomes."
Malcolm Knowles
Self-directed learning is
 learning that is controlled and
managed by the learner.
 a teaching technique
 learning outside of the educational
institution undertaken by learners
out of their own interests, needs
and concerns
In self-directed learning :
• learners identify their own learning needs and
fulfill them with or without the guidance of an
instructor
• learners take up the responsibility of deciding
on the division of the topics, the resource mat
erials, the execution and evaluation of the lear
ning (learners become the implementors and e
valuators)
Merits
Self learning :
• improves the chances for employment
• suits self-motivated learners
• promotes decision making abilities as well as critical
and creative thinking skills
• makes learners responsible of their own learning
• initiates life-long learning.
Merits contd...
• acknowledges individual differences among learner
s.
• fosters self-learning pace.
• is not restricted by time and place, availability of in
structors.
• provides choice to the learner.
• is very relevant in this era.
Demerits
Self learning :
• is not suitable for formal education at the primary l
evel.
• results in upgradation of individual performances of
students
• does not promote values like co-operation and grou
p/ team work
• can misguide learners
Demerits contd...
• may become a disinterested endeavor with time.
• does not guarantee good quality resources.
• may not produce the same result as those that are l
imited by a certain learning period.
The Role of Technology in S
elf-directed Learning
 Learning through self-direction can be refined and
amplified with the use of technology.

 Technology can support lifelong, self-directed

learning beyond the regular classroom.

 Self-directed learning has now changed with online

learning, greater access to technology, personalized
learning experiences, and access to information
sources.
 New developments in 21st century education have
put additional expectations on learners to take
more initiative in their own learning.

 Innovations such as Khan Academy or the Flipped

Classroom have led to consequent changes in the
role of the traditional classroom teacher.
Some of the technological innovations th
at have aided self-directed learning are
as follows:
Online Learning Platforms

• Education that takes place over the Intern

et. It is also known as e-learning.
• Can be conducted synchronously and asy
nchronously.
• Requires merely access to a computer, th
e Internet, and the motivation to succeed
in a non-traditional classroom.
• Learners can choose from a variety if subject
s
• Learners gain guidance from renowned profe
ssors.
• Benefits learners who:
cannot find a particular class at their chosen ins
titution
work full-time and can only study at or after wor
k
live in remote locations
• Are available for free as well as with a fee for
certificate courses.
• Popular online learning platforms that exist t
oday are: Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, Khan Ac
ademy, etc.
Personal Learning Networks
• Informal learning networks
• Consist of the people a learner interacts
with and derives knowledge from in a pe
rsonal learning environment .
• Can be created through blogs, social net
works such as, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
• Facilitate collaboration which is often lacking
in self-directed learning.
• Used by learners to reach a larger audience
with whom they can share their doubts and i
deas.
Electronic media
• Television sets can provide telecourses and e
ducational channels.
• CD- ROM courses provide computer content
to students who cannot attend a real-time cl
ass.
• Mobile learning allows learners to access res
ources on the go, through mobile devices lik
e cell phones and portable audio players.
YouTube/iTunes
• YouTube adds the visual element to mak
e learning more powerful.
• Used by school and college/university p
rofessors to share content for free.
• Empowers students and teachers to des
ign their own learning.
Video-conferencing Tools
• Tools like Skype, help turn classrooms in
to global communication centers for fre
e.
• Students can connect with anyone arou
nd the world, to discuss topics of their i
nterest, and with experts or educators t
o learn from.
E- portfolios
• help students keep track of their own ac
hievements and share them with others
.
• are free and easy to create (students cre
ate a container like, a blog, wiki or webs
ite, organize it and post their work).
 Conclusion
• Self-directed learning gives us a clear und
erstanding of the relationship between lea
rning and technologies.
• Technology provides boundless access for
learners.
• Self-directed Learning helps learners beco
me more productive in today's world.
• Latest technologies help modernize clas
srooms and provide higher flexibility to
students.
• Technology has significant implications f
or the development and support of self-
directed learning
References
• "How technology supports self-directed learning" .
Saxena, Saomya. www.edtechreview.in. 2nd Decem
ber, 2013. Web.
• https://infed.org/mobi/self-directed-learning/
Happy self-directed l
earning...
Thank you!