Learning Path: New Concept for Flexible Online Lifelong Learning

Abstract

Within the OpenU-project, the 'learning path' is developed as a new concept for flexible lifelong learning. The learning path is used by the Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC) of the Open University of the Netherlands to meet the different learning needs of professionals in the field of learning sciences and technology enhanced learning. These professionals do not have the status of students. These learners, who bought a learning path, receive a voucher with credits that can be used to subscribe to six online masterclasses. These online masterclasses, that can be selected in a catalogue from a longer list by learners themselves, form the core of a learning path. These masterclasses have a fixed format and a turnaround time of a week. The masterclass starts was an intake assessment. Furthermore a synchronous learning activities can be done (e.g. assignments for orientation and in-depth learning). The third day there is a live online event (interview and chat). The learner him/herselves can decide which learner activities he or she want to do. Furthermore selforganized learning activities can be integrated in a learning path. For exemple: learners who work at a school for vocational education attend internal seminars at work. These seminars can be validated when a learning writes a blog post about this seminar. A learning path will be certificated by the Open University, based on efforts of the learner (not based on attendency).

In this presentation Wilfred Rubens provides an overview about this new concept. He addresses the most important characteristics of a learning path. What is the pedagogical set up of an online masterclass? How is an learning path assigned? What technologies are used for learning and for the organisational processes? How are online masterclasses evaluated? What is the relationship with knowledge valorisation?