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Viewpoint
The Evolution of Digital Learning Systems Through Customization
7/23/2008
This combination of delivery and instructional diversity has evolved into a more integrated approach to instructional design, social and academic connectivity, and dialog within the expanded context of the blended course. Therefore, while we now have increasing expectations for blended instruction, we continue to evolve as teachers and learners and will, necessarily, demand more from the technology itself and the software developers who develop the systems and programs we use. That is, future systems of course management will necessarily be flexible enough to support existing course delivery and creative enough to provide options for students and teachers in communication, collaboration, knowledge building and knowledge production.
Van Wiegal (2005) discusses the necessity to move away from a behaviorist design of course management toward not only a constructivist design but an environment that is driven by skill development and supported by technology. In other words, a learning environment is designed within which technology mediates and supports a dynamic process of learning that develops desired and evolving skills in learners, rather than merely delivering course content. Therefore, what classroom and online brought together in blended/hybrid instruction, integrated skill and knowledge development will bring to learning in general. Learning spaces will be created that support learner needs and individualized learning goals within the larger framework of a community of learners that is socially and academically networked and collaborative.
Wiegal states:
Looking ahead, with the future development of fiber optic networks, digital paper, near-flawless voice recognition, holographic imaging, and virtual reality technologies, the potential for implementing discovery-based learning within a 360 degree environments and constructing knowledge assets through a teach-to-learn pedagogy will grow by several orders of magnitude. It is time to eschew the minimalist pedagogical vision of the CMS and to envision a more promising future. (p.66)
While the technology itself will continue to evolve, so will the social and academic needs of students. Users will evolve with the technology and blend both their life and learning into an integrated whole. The experiential learning that Dewy (1964) envisioned will become a dynamic flow between life and learning facilitated and applied with technology.
Open Source Development
Another great influence in current changes in learning environments is the notion of customization of design and delivery which has come of age through open sourcing. Most Internet programming is now designed with change in mind. No longer are systems closed and packaged; they are changeable and modifiable based on the users' needs and goals. This truly supports the idea of individualized learning incredibly.
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