Jeff Finlay (jfinlay@umuc.edu)
Tue, 05 Oct 1999 17:22:54 -0400
Date: Tue, 05 Oct 1999 17:22:54 -0400 From: "Jeff Finlay" <jfinlay@umuc.edu> Subject: Re: Fw: [IFETS] Reply to Jeff Finley on Flexible Learning
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> > I have never discarded a technique or a strategy
> > for reasons of age or any other. Quite the opposite, I will have students
> > translate, paraphrase, memorize, exemplify, etc,etc, etc or whatever as
> > long as it will make them understand what language is all about and enable
> > them to use it as a versatile tool to communicate. That I think is what we
> > call Flexible Learning.
Norma, I'm not sure why my name appears in the subject line as I never said
anything about flexible learning as a concept in organizational change. However, to
reply: I think you have described a system that amounts, for you, to flexible
teaching. However, as I understand it, 'flexible learning' is a phrase that is
specifically used to describe education designed in such a way that students can
take classes outside of the usual frameworks (needing to be in a room at a given
time and place, etc). I've seen 'flexible learning' used as a synonym, most usually
in Australia; in the US, the phrase often used is 'lifelong learning or workforce
training'; in the UK it seems to be 'continuing professional development.' All of
these are about redesigning education so as to be flexible to learners who may for
a variety of reasons be unable to take courses in conventional settings.
I think the comment I did make on IFETS-DISCUSS was in reply to Cameron, who
described his satisfaction with flexible learning as a way of working (right,
Cameron?). In replying, I offered the opinion that trainers in flexible learning
environments are evolving into the present and future of education.
Jeff
Jeff Finlay, Asst Director
Center for the Virtual University
Univ of Maryland University College
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