The Emerging Learnscape At Florida State College

Presenter(s)
Jeff Kissinger (Florida State College Jacksonville, US)
Don Green (Florida State College Jacksonville, US)
Alex Dold (Florida State College Jacksonville, US)
Session Information
November 5, 2010 - 11:10am
Track: 
Technology and Emerging Learning Environments
Areas of Special Interest: 
Social Networking
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Multiple Levels
Session Type: 
Individual Presentation
Location: 
Bonaire 8
Session Duration: 
35
Concurrent Session: 
8
Abstract

Electronic textbooks, mobile learning, artificial intelligence, and virtual immersive learning environments are all converging together at Florida State College to form its modern 'learnscape." Participants will learn how a large state college is able to foster such innovation with sustained growth and why its moving in this direction.

Extended Abstract

There is growing interest in a research agenda that focuses on inquiries regarding learning environments that are not physical or virtual, but instead a seamless (Loi et al., 2010 ) "learnscape" (Cross, 2006, 2010) that transcend notions of artificial boundaries. Whether in a traditional classroom, fully online, 100% mobile, at their homes, or 24 hours a day in learners' own authentic spaces, modern learners and workers continue to expand where and how they learn. Mobile learning is just one example of how the modern learnscape is being expanded to fit the unique, individual needs of a learning society that is increasingly on the go and socially connected. What happens when the keys to knowledge are no longer controlled and closed off to the world? What happens when education and training become accessible and open to all, and fits into one's pocket 24 hours a day, 365 days a year? Most important to colleges and universities, how do we ensure meaningful learning and success for students, and what value do we bring to these modern learnscapes? The goal of this presentation is to begin to address these and other pressing issues by examining one state college's college-wide initiative and research related to this topic. Project case studies implemented at the college, such as 100% mobile distance learning course designed for the U.S. Navy and Army, the College Learning Solutions and Textbook replacement consortium (SIRIUS), and a historic move to 100% paperless courses, will provide real-life learning experiences, data, and valuable insight to the future of learning. Specifically, the updated data on the following college initiative and research projects will be shared and discussed: • The college-wide move to 100% electronic learning materials and texts • 2010 development of seven mobile courses for deployed U.S. Navy students and pilot student results • 2010 case study of student mobile eBook learning experiences References Cross, J. (2006). Informal learning: Rediscovering the natural pathways that inspire innovation and performance Pfeiffer. Cross, J. (2010).Working Smarter Internet Time Alliance Looi, C., Seow, P., Zhang, B., So, H., Chen, W., & Wong, L. (2009). Leveraging mobile technology for sustainable seamless learning: A research agenda. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(2), 154-169. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00912.x

Lead Presenter

Jeff Kissinger is Chief Learning Solutions Architect at Florida State College at Jacksonville. In his position, he leads the instructional design and media development team to create innovative learning solutions for the college's diverse populations. These include currently enlisted military personnel stationed throughout the world, including combat environments. Jeff has worked as a classroom teacher, in private industry, and higher education. Jeff’s passions are emergent instructional technologies, mobile learning pedagogy, open learning, and increasing access to quality learning experiences through innovation and research. His interests include eLearning, mobile learning, instructional design, instructional media, faculty training, distance learning, and social media. Jeff’s also enjoys sharing and interacting at conferences and workshops. Jeff has two master’s degrees from the University of Florida, one in special education focusing on instructional technology, special needs and adult learning and another in curriculum and instruction. His bachelor’s degree, also from the University of Florida, is in English Literature. Jeff is currently completing his doctoral research into the experiences of mobile learners using e-books and readers with a focus on situated cognition.

Don Green, Ph.D., serves as Executive Vice President at Florida State College in Jacksonville, FL.

Alex Dold is Multimedia Specialist and Instructional Designer at Florida State College in Jacksonville, FL.