2_Purpose

Here I state the problem. 1. Using computers to produce papers, search the web or participate in discussion forums is not enough. 2. The power of the web is to use communication technologies to learn 3. We have several modals of new technological approaches but no clear understanding of what the learners experience is in them and what scaffolding they need to succeed.

Note can I hope to say anything about the experience of learners or must I specifically talk about tech competent learners pursuing post 16 open education in a university context.

Solution or how this study hopes to address the problem.

• Here I lay out the argument for using internet and communication technologies in higher ed: – Social and economic changes – Workplace demands – 21 Century Skills – collab, coop, comm, create, innovate – Rapid growth in distance learning – Challenges to use of LMS as moving classroom to web rather than creating spaces for networked and lifelong learning • I point to research that addresses what is needed for online learning to be a success – COI three presences focussed on asynchronous discussion based online – Open courses – Connected learning models in Canada • What shea and others say about self regualtion in distance learning

the problem is though we have come a long way in the practice of using technology in the classroom we haven't gone far enough and likewise while researchers have come a long way in exploring technology uses in the classroom we haven't gone far enough. We know what businesspeople say they need of employees. There are only a few examples of technology and learning opportunities being used to these ends in higher education. One of these is the open education movement. Why does this support our new needs for learning and the skill sets needed by business? Open education assumes OnDemand need and response. Content is available and it is up to the learner to access it. We know that acquisition of knowledge is more than a matter of transfer that it is a matter of construction and construction is mediated through experience and social interaction. So what skills and opportunities are necessary for learners of the 21st century to be able to access knowledge that is freely available on the Web. If we understand this than we can work backwards to determine what skills and opportunities we need to provide to younger students. This study will look at the existing skills and needs of adult learners in an massively opened online course. While massively open online courses are not mainstream they represent the front here of what the open education movement has to offer adult learners. This study will use a combination of ethnographic and design based research methods in order to better understand adult college graduates and fair learning needs when faced with freely available Internet based content.