Discovery Learning Spaces
From ElateWiki
Discovery learning spaces refer to those that support autonomous and learner-directed learning. These may include websites, 3D immersive spaces (metaworlds), augmented reality experiences, or digital repositories. A fusion of technologies may be brought into play for full discovery learning.
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The Uses of Discovery Learning Spaces
Discovery learning spaces are used for people to acquire new information. These enable people to head off skills decay and to polish work-related skills. Such spaces may add learning value to live, synchronous virtual events. These are also used to support life-long learning.
A similar concept to "discovery learning" is "open learning," which focuses on user-driven and independent learning. In open learning, subject matter experts (SMEs) may come alongside and support the learners, but the learners are the ones who make all the critical choices related to the learning.
Discovery Learners
So-called discovery learners are autonomous learners who are independent and purposive. They are self-driven. They often have high information and image literacy. They are able to learn in ad hoc situations. They may be resourceful and innovative.
Some researchers suggest that for independent learning to occur, there need to be four component skills:
1) self-selection 2) self-determination 3) self-modification, and 4) self-checking (Chen, Kao, Yu, & Sheu, 2004, n.p.).
Self-Regulated Learning Phases
Self-regulated learning may be conceptualized in phases. “Phase 1 involves planning and goal setting as well as activation of perceptions and knowledge of the task and context and the self in relation to the task. Phase 2 concerns various monitoring processes that represent metacognitive awareness of different aspects of the self and task or context. Phase 3 involves efforts to control and regulate different aspects of the self or task and context. Finally, Phase 4 represents various kinds of reactions and reflections on the self and the task or context” (Pintrich, 2004, p. 389).
Social Features of Discovery Learning
Discovery learning is not just about self-learning solo but about engaging with other co-learners to enhance the learning. This aspect of discovery learning is enhanced by social technologies like wikis, blogs, and other communications and community-building tools.
See Also
References
Chen, Y‐S., Kao, T‐C., Yu, G‐J, & Sheu, J‐P. (2004). A mobile butterfly watching learning system for supporting independent learning. Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education(WMTE’04). n.p.
Hai-Jew, S. (2008). Scaffolding Discovery Learning Spaces. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (MERLOT). http://jolt.merlot.org/vol4no4/hai-jew_1208.htm.
Pintrich, P.R. (2004). A conceptual framework for assessing motivation and self‐regulated learning in college students. Educational Psychology Review: 16 (4). 385 – 407.