Distance Learning Newsletter

Issue No. 28, Fall 2009

Collis, Betty.
Flexible learning in a digital world : experiences and expectations / Betty Collis, Jef Moonen.London : Kogan Page, 2001.
3rd Level
LC5800 .C655x 2001

Collis states,"Flexible learning is a complex phenomenon even when expressed in terms of only four key components: technology, pedagogy, implementation and institution" (p. 4). Flexible learning allows the instructor to have more options. The more choices the learner has, the more demands and challenges for the instructor. Flexibility options for the learner and the instructor will have significant organizational impact on the course-delivery institution.Flexible learning requires individualization of learning experiences and increased flexibility in learning alternatives. The pedagogical approach is to analyze a course in terms of abstract concepts about the learning and teaching process.The institutional framework will shape and steer fleible learning. Pedagogical approaches to flexible learning will give it value and technology serves as its tool. The social and professional climate in an institution, the management style of it leaders, the insitution's previous experiences with technology-related change, and the vision of the leaders will affect the institution's movement toward flexible learning. This book illustrates that everyone needs to work together for flexible learning to work. In my opinion, the book is for administrators to learn how to optimize the process of flexible learning.