Talk:Flexible learning

Learning about Flexible Learning

Hello I encourage the flexible learning because it introduces schoolars to new methods and tools. But, I think it is difficult to be applied in the developping country as there is unavailable environment, unavailable technology and networks. I would prefer to use simpler tools and methods of learning.It will be good also to learn these tools and methods step by step (gradually).NouraRaslan (talk) 19:45, 24 March 2008 (UTC)N.R.

Hello NouraRaslan I think it is important to think about Flexible Learning as being more than just online learning. I am trying to find references to support the idea that flexible learning includes things like Recognition of Prior Learning, Accelerated Entry, Negotiated Curriculum, Personalised Learning, Informal Learning, and so on. Admittedly it is difficult, because online learning has used the phrase flexible learning a lot! It is very hard to find the references that talk beyond this Leighblackall (talk) 01:45, 6 April 2016 (UTC)

Merge

Because this article amounts to a dictionary definition, and has nothing of substance remaining after removing uncited content, and is in fact not supported by its only citation, it is being merged to e-learning without the customary 30 day merge comment period. FeatherPluma (talk) 21:48, 20 July 2014 (UTC)

While I understand the reasons for the merge, it is nonetheless an unfortunate thing FeatherPluma as Flexible Learning is distinctly different to eLearning and Educational Technology. I can see why these were chosen for the merge, as Flexible Learning has come to rely heavily on recent technologies, but it should be kept separate and developed more so as to capture the broader range of things encompassed. For example, Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) and Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) are practices that are often used in Flexible Learning. Accelerated Curriculum is as well. Options for part time study of a normally full time program are considered Flexible learning also. I hope you can see my meaning here, that these examples have little to do with technology and more to do with an educational institutions ability to accommodate the needs of students for more flexibility in their studies. I draw most of my understanding of this from Australian developments in the concept http://flexiblelearning.net.au/ and work in New Zealand which follows a similar line of reasoning. Leighblackall (talk) 23:35, 17 January 2016 (UTC)

Leighblackall Thanks for your comment. I think your usage examples and point are clearly seen. However, it seems to me that the examples you give, as well as the web site you point to, are common sense usage of appositional words ("flexible" and "learning") in their usual meaning, and not an encyclopedic concept that emerges from transcending the plain dictionary meaning of the adjacent words, or which has been discussed in reliable sources. If you have sources that speak to the contrary and would like to put together a properly referenced article I encourage you to do so. In that event, the merger can easily be undone. I would be pleased to help in whatever way is best. I added a "Friendly search suggestions" template tag to this page (close to the top) and I took a look at what comes up on the searches. FeatherPluma (talk) 06:23, 18 January 2016 (UTC)

That seems a fare point FeatherPluma, although it draws into question similar combinations for learning, like Networked Learning, Connected Learning (Connectivism), Mobile Learning etc. In the education sector, and especially in the relatively recent history of eLearning, these each have or had specific meaning. It seems a shame to loose the potential for quality Wikipedia references to them. Admittedly, the education sector has neglected their role for making better contributions on these to Wikipedia. You're certainly right to highlight the poor quality of many of them. There are quite a few references to Flexible Learning in Google Scholar search. I don't know that I am an experienced enough Wikipedia editor to confidently say which ones (if any) are authoritative enough to warrant Flexible Learning as notable. Does the search result raise second thoughts in you about the merger? I may be able to rally enough editors to help improve on the original article for Flexible Learning if you did decide to reinstate it. Leighblackall (talk) 04:47, 28 January 2016 (UTC)

@Leighblackall: Hello again. I think I took only a quick look. Nothing hit me right away. I will see if I can get to a more thorough search within the next week to 10 days. I could say more now, but let me first think through this again when I have a moment. Thanks. FeatherPluma (talk) 05:41, 28 January 2016 (UTC)

@Leighblackall: Hello again. I had not forgotten about this. Intermittently I have taken more quick looks, maybe 5 or 6 times. What I saw was professional insider's "How to" opinions, check lists, and a lot of words. There may well be something out there of good quality. If you have something specific in mind, I will look at it if I have time. Or, of course, you can always unmerge and get going if you want - I don't have any ownership in this. FeatherPluma (talk) 23:44, 19 February 2016 (UTC)

Thanks FeatherPluma, I have unmerged it, and will work toward improving it. Leighblackall (talk) 02:39, 22 March 2016 (UTC)

@Leighblackall: Wishing you good luck. Detagged the merger. By the way, if its synonymous with personalized learning, somebody may think about merging there. This source [1] might be of interest. FeatherPluma (talk) 02:56, 22 March 2016 (UTC)

Sources needed to support Flexible learning beyond mere online learning

For me this publication is one of the most important ones differentiating between eLearning and flexible learning: Casey, J. & Wilson, P. (2005). A practical guide to providing flexible learning in further and higher education. This is a very useful resource about flexible learning because it discusses five dimensions that need to be considered. Technology is only part of the story.

The Flexible Learning course specifically explored the differences between flexible learning and other forms of learning. Blended learning has now become a buzz word but the flexible learning opportunities provided within the components of an on-campus and an online course can determine the accessibility of the learning environment to students with diverse cultural needs; this includes learning abilities and preferences.

The concept of flexible learning is also applied in a current course - Learning and Teaching in Practice: [2]

Assessing Prior Learning (APL) is another side to flexible learning as is Work-based learning (WBL) - technology may be a component but it is not the essence of how students learn. See: CapableNZ

There are some resources here on these courses: Work-Based Learning and Assessing Prior Learning.

(Bronwynh (talk) 21:55, 10 April 2016 (UTC))

Many thanks Bronwynh I'll go through these and try and build this article based on these. Leighblackall (talk) 06:35, 19 April 2016 (UTC)