Learning to Learn Again
Learning seems to be going through some what of a resurgence recently, which is interesting given that we have never stopped learning. The most recent discussions around learning are related to "how" we learn. In recent years we have seen a surge in research associated with how our brain works. This of course has led to the identification of numerous new techniques which provide new solutions to improve the effectiveness of information delivery to align with "how" we learn.
So if we have not stopped, then why all of the talk about learning?
One of the answers is linked to the availability of technologies that present different mechanisms for enabling individuals to access learning opportunities. Previous limitations around location and access to those who are able to relay the required knowledge have kept learning opportunities away from many people around the world. These new technologies remove boundaries to learning and now offer . These technologies range from immersive virtual reality systems to easily accessible eLearning and online videos.
One of my favorite thought leaders in the educational development space, Art Costa has a written a number of books addressing what he has labelled "Habits of Mind". The Habits of Mind delve into how successful people use their minds when faced with problems and unfamiliar situations. These habits address areas associated with listening, metacognition, persisting and questioning (to name a few). In effect they help us to understand how we learn and apply these learning's to solve problems. New technologies are adding to the arsenal of learning tools available to all of us.
Human learning may occur as part of education, personal development, schooling, or training. It may be goal-oriented and may be aided by motivation. What ever the reasons, these new technologies that form part of the future learning landscape, will improve the way information is relayed and transferred to those with the desire to learn. So it is up to each of us to discover how we learn and to explore new technologies that may be able to accelerate, improve or expand our learning experiences.
Great post -- and I think one of the reasons there's so much talk about learning is because as the age of knowledge zooms into fast-forward, we HAVE to keep learning in order to stay relevant and successful in our fields.
Technology is certainly an enabler with learning. I have also noticed this conversation around "learning" growing. I wonder if this has also been challenged over recent years by the ability of the collective "us" to provide quality training and teaching in the right quantity..........