Dr. Knight

1. Blending the
Learning
GUIDING THE ADULT LEARNER TO DESIGN EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS IN A
DIGITAL CLASSROOM
DR. MARK KNIGHT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL PLATFORMS
PUYALLUP SCHOOL DISTRICT

2. What do these mean to you?
Think about the following terms and how they are alike
and not alike in a classroom setting:
• Personalized
• Individualized
• Differentiated

3. According to ISTE
 Individualized = has the same goals for all students but the progress is
based on student speed
 Differentiated = goals change based on student need
 Personalized = tailored to the preference and interest and also paced for
the student need

4. What is Blended Learning?
A means by which a student learns at least in part through
delivery of content and instruction via digital and online media
with some element of student control over time, place, path, or
pace.

5. How are districts attempting to blend
learning?
 BYOD
 1:1 Initiatives
 LMS
 eLearning
 OER’s
What are the costs associated with all of these initiatives?
How are districts paying for all of this???

6. The Problem…
 Adults
 Are often the least comfortable with technology
 Have a difficult time giving up control making “personalized” learning an uncomfortable means
of instruction
 Are responsible for designing the learning for students
 Students
 Are often comfortable with technology
 Will never see the benefits of blended learning if adults are not able to design quality
classroom experiences
 Sustainability
 Public will determine quality and will exercise their voting rights

7. Role of the Principal
 Establish a vision for blended learning
 Guide professional development for the adults in the building
 Understand the adults in your care
 Understand the differences in adult vs student learning

8. Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997)
An American adult educator famous for the adoption of
the theory of andragogy
Andragogy - the method and practice of teaching adult
learners; adult education

9. #1 - Self Concept
Adults are more independent than children, able to self-direct their behavior
towards models of self-control and responsibility.
How can this be applied to blended learning? This characteristic is best
supported by providing minimal intrusive instruction and maximum guidance
and support. Professional development can guide the student and provide
ample resources while still leaving them relatively autonomous to ‘discover’
much of the information and incorporate it as they need to, within their
learning requirements.

10. #2 - Adult Learner Experience
An adult has a pool of experience and memory on which to draw during the
learning process.
Application to blended learning? Having strong knowledge of the learner and
their actual experience and ongoing needs before designing professional
development is imperative. Since adult learning tends to be more goal
oriented than child learning, utilizing specific experiences to demonstrate how
the information is relevant to the learner is key.

11. #3 – Readiness to Learn
An adult is more willing and able to learn task-specific materials as they relate
to their development socially and professionally.
How does this apply to blended learning? Creating an environment for
learning within professional development that is relevant to the learner’s
social and professional development will enhance their desire to participate. If
the learner sees a social benefit to the learning, they will be far more likely to
engage. Goal specific learning isn’t just about learning a new task but can also
incorporate things like social networking, group learning, peer reviews and
more.

12. #4 - Orientation to Learning
The perspective of an adult towards learning is different in that it is focused
on the immediate need for the knowledge, versus a more long term
application. An adult’s learning needs are more problem-focused rather than
learning an entire subject matter. Example? A child learns algebra; an adult
might learn the specific application of certain equations to deal with a
financial issue.
Application in blended learning? Ensuring that the students are clear from
outset of how the professional development will apply to them and their
situations guarantees their buy-in. Real world examples that are specific to
them or the organization they work for are the most tangible and effective.

13. #5 – Motivation to Learn
Whereas most children have external motivators to learn (teachers, parents,
etc.), adults are, for the most part, self-motivated.
How does this apply to e-Learning? If the learner knows why they are doing
the professional development and when they will be able to apply the
knowledge received, their internal motivation will be engaged easily.
Otherwise, it will be easy and likely that they will question why their
participation in necessary.

14. Four Principals of Andragogy
Taking these five assumption into account, Knowles then postulated four
principles of andragogy - principles that are more or less essential to
understanding what is needed to successfully develop adult learning
opportunities::
1. Adults need to be involved in the planning of their instruction and overall
educational plan.
2. Actual experiences need to be leveraged as the basis for learning activities.
This includes errors as well as successes.
3. In order to be effective, learning modules need to be immediately relevant to
the learner’s job or life.
4. The material being taught needs to be focused on a specific issue rather than
a general topic.

15. Pedagogy
vs
Andragogy

16. Design the Learner Experience – 1:1 Devices
Mr. Brune - Math
• Hates technology
• Answers email occasionally
• Strict authoritarian
• Method of instruction = direct
• Students receive practice via
worksheets
• Knowledgeable about subject
area but doesn’t seek out new
learning
Mr. McClure - Science
• Is comfortable with technology
• Attempts to bring in media
resources during lessons
• Uses humor in the classroom
• Method of instruction = mostly
direct/some differentiation
• Knowledgeable about subject area
and attends pro dev occasionally
Mrs. Swanson – Social Studies
• Loves technology
• Uses media resources during lessons
on a daily basis to meet learning
objectives
• Has acquired 10 laptops for the
classroom
• Method of instruction = student
discovery through small
groups/differentiated lessons
• Loves pro dev!!