Exploring our contexts
To know the kinds of flexibility that are going to add value for our clients,
we need to make sure that we know a little about them. This does not need to be
exhaustive but it may help you avoid time consuming diversions down a twisted
path.
How can you find out about your:
- learners?
- potential employers?
- organisational needs?
- industry needs?
- region and state?
You might try asking them - now there's a radical idea! Or you could do some
quick internet research, go out to a workplace or talk to colleagues. Think of
this as 'market research' and put on your business hat. You'll need to sell your
ideas to your clients and also internally within the organisation so start
preparing your sales pitch (translation: that implementation plan we're working
towards).
Jobs to do
Review that discussion activity about the different ways that people see
flexible learning to give yourself ideas about questions to ask.
Ask a student who is currently enrolled about how increased or different
types of flexibility would enhance their learning and assessment activity.
Record all their responses, no matter how crazy they might seem at the moment,
and keep it for future reference.
If you can, ask a current employer of your students about what flexible
learning means to them. Again record their responses and keep it for future
reference. Try recording the words that they use, rather than putting it into
your words. This will have more power if you want to quote them later.
Put aside your notes for no more than 2 days, then check to see if there is
anything that you found out that surprised you? Your facilitator will schedule a
chat session and you will need to be prepared to discuss your findings. Check
the calendar [link] to see when this has been scheduled.
Is there a current industry skills analysis available. OPCET [link] sponsors
these on a regular basis, also you might try searching industry
association websites for relevant information. Draw three key points about
industry needs and report them to the "Industry needs" discussion
forum [link]. Identify any similar trends in other industries and respond to
these postings.
Phew! That's quite a bit of work, but you are building some of the blocks of
your implementation plan already.