EPALE discussion: Blended learning in adult education
During this year, education in all sectors has been challenged in unprecedented ways with the closure of all types of education institutions. This has resulted in much debate about the future development of a blended learning approach to the delivery of education at all levels.
Within this context, on Thursday 26 November 2020, starting from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. CET, EPALE will be hosting an online discussion on blended learning in adult education.
The discussion will have a brand new format, starting at 10 with a 30 minutes live streaming, accompanied and followed by the discussion on the platform’s comments.
The live presentation will be delivered by Lauri Tuomi, the CEO of The Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation (Kvs), and a board member of the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA). He will examine the question of a blended approach to adult education citing examples of how this worked in practice in Finland during the exceptional period of COVID-19. The perspective for the blended learning is long-term as this year is the 100th anniversary of distance learning in Finland.
The discussion will include the following topics:
- Is a blended approach to delivering adult education the best way forward in a situation of prolonged closure of adult education centres?
- What are the main challenges to implementing a blended approach to learning in adult education?
- What adult education initiatives and policies are required to implement a blended learning approach to adult education?
We invite you to share your experiences and reflections during our online discussion, facilitated by Dr. Tuomi and members of his team, and even before.
Comments are already open so participants can introduce themselves or post their comments in advance!
Watch below the live presentation on 26 November at 10 a.m. and the wrapping up session at 3:45 p.m. (CET)
Comments
Blended learning versus distance learning
I agree with the discussion and face to face learning is really important. However, during the pandemic I noticed multi-faceted approaches in online and distance learning. The current pandemic has highlighted the need to be flexible in our teaching and learning approach. We have to highlight the need for cooperation and collaboration in the virtual world. This also highlights the importance of blended learning which I believe it is the ideal approach.
Thanks for sharing
Learning
Adult educators digital skills
Dear all, take a look at
Lifelong Learning Magazine
Dear Lauri thanks a lot for sharing this is really interseting.
Live event at 15:45 - closing the discussion
Finland-congratulations
A very important point has
Helpline
thanks
Thank you!
Support system
Indeed Ilze. what elements do
Dear Ilze, I fully agree with
Motivation and confidence factor
Indded Martin. I think your
Dear Martin, than you for
Motivation
This is really interesting thanks for sharing. I agree that the older generation might lack technical skills and might feel discouraged but on the other hand they have a lot of experience in life. Once they manage to identify the motivational factor to access wider information they can be of an asset to the younger generation who might have a lot of digital skills but still need to nurture wisdom.
I like 'not to expect too
Yes the small step approach
Human factor
This is an interesting discussion. It is important to scaffold the learning process carefully while continuously evaluating how learners are progressing in their educational journey. Creating the environment for learning is important but implementing it is challenging. We have to understand, as outlined in the discussion, the human factor as well.
Dear Carlos!
Anita, good point of view, I
Adult non-formal education
Dear Anita,
I agree with your point of view. The current context apart from bringing forward new challenges it is paved new opportunities withing adult education.
Training needs
Yes Dorte, the competences of
Thank you Anne, for your thoughts and approaches
In practice, it is not always easy to implement (I am referring here exclusively to my experience in non-formal vocational education and training; in other areas it probably looks different):
Many participants would like to get input/knowledge first and then work in a project-oriented way (this is probably a habit and the procedure gives them security).
So for me it is important to find ways to promote self-organised learning "inconspicuously" with very small projects.
yes it is challenging in you
any approach is good if wellbased pedagogi/andragogically
A eterna questão do Acesso
Obrigado Nico for your
Hi there. Congratulations for your this initiative!
webinar recording will be available throughout the day
Not only lack of digital skills - self-learning skills
I think we talk a lot - and this is of course very important - about digital divide, lack of digital skills, but an important basis for Blende Learning are competences for independent learning and self-organisation.
I fully agree with you Dörte.
learning skills
Learning skills
I agree this is really important to nurture these competences from an early age. Schools play a crucial role to provide ample learning opportunities where learners can experience different learning modalities which will pave the way for lifelong learning. Situations such as the current pandemic has further highlighted the importance of flexible learning environments, self-regulation and self-efficacy in the learning process.
Blended learning versus distance learning
I have to say that I support Anne's opinion about how important face to face learning is, in spite of all the benefits that on-line learning has. It has proved how efficient it can be through these last two years of pandemic. Certainly, on-line learning has come to stay, but we should never forget how crucial real human contact is and how motivating it can be. In sight of this, blended/hybrid learning in all his modalities shows us more possibilities than just pure distance learning, because it can use the benefits of both "worlds." I am saying this, because Educational Authorities often bet for distance learning, considering just the economical aspects of it, ignoring that education, in all levels, needs, real interaction o be meaningful.