Brisbane (AU), June 2007 - Teenage students are demanding that education and training institutes provide them with a choice about what, where, when, and how they learn. Providing good libraries, canteens, and social facilities is becoming less important than giving students access to new technologies such as wikis, blogs, and mobile learning.
At Brisbane's Career and Employment Expo in April, the overwhelming view from teenagers was that access to technology was a key determinant of what educational institute they will choose. Brisbane student Kate Cooling said that eLearning, such as the use of online tutorials, was a convenient method of learning. "It (technology) helps a lot. It is a lot easier than going through a thousand books," she said.
Another Brisbane student, Sam Sanderson, agreed that having access to technology in learning would help him choose where he went for higher education. He said the standard 'chalk and talk' method of teaching did not engage him in the learning process. "I'm into hands-on learning - the software used must be interactive."
Recent research from AAPT emphasises how much technology is a part of the average teenager's life. The research reveals that 16 to 20 year olds spend an average of 3.2 hours a day using some form of technology.
To make sure educators and trainers respond to students' demands for technology in learning, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework has been conducting a campaign called 'PUT THE HARD WORD ON 'EM'.
The idea is to prompt teenagers to ask education and training providers about the eLearning options, access, and infrastructure they provide before making a decision on where they study. Students are encouraged to investigate whether eLearning tools like the internet, mobile phones, and virtual classrooms will be used in the delivery of their education.
Edgy and vibrant, the 'PUT THE HARD WORD ON 'EM' campaign includes funky teenager-focused 'elearn' dogtags and huge posters. The dogtags come packaged with a small information card that outlines four essential eLearning questions to ask prospective education or training providers.
The questions are:
Students are encouraged to fill in an online survey through the chance to win one of fifty iPod shuffles.
The survey will collect data about young people's use of technology at home and at school, as well their expectations of technology once they reach higher education and training. The data will be used to help recognise the learning wants of its 21st century learners.
The Framework's National Communication Project Manager, Lindy Smith, said that the current generation of school kids is demanding more flexibility and expecting greater access to education and training opportunities. "But it's not just about going online," she said. "Technology means teachers and trainers are no longer confined to the constraints of the structured classroom format. Teachers and trainers can now bring in learner area specialists via video conferencing or use online forums to facilitate a topical discussion. "On the other hand, eLearning tools and resources bring an element of excitement to learning for students."
