Practice Makes Perfect: Bringing Experiential Learning to Life

August 31, 2010 - 3:10pm | by rtbrown
Presenter(s)
David Clarke, IV (Toolwire, US)
Charles Jennings (Duntroon Associates, UK)
Session Information
November 4, 2010 - 9:40am
Track: 
Technology and Emerging Learning Environments
Areas of Special Interest: 
Blended Learning
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Multiple Levels
Session Type: 
Individual Presentation
Location: 
Bonaire 3
Session Duration: 
35
Concurrent Session: 
3
Abstract
State-of-the-art experiential learning solutions offer a "technology apprenticeship" for students seeking real-world experience while still in school. As students gain practical skills in an authentic and safe learning environment, organizations can focus on their core competencies and avoid the distractions of complex experiential learning development and delivery.
Extended Abstract
Experiential Learning is teaching "action" not information. The place to store vast amounts of information is in libraries, not in heads. Today's "new frontier" requires fresh approaches to develop agile-thinking, workforce-ready graduates. Among these approaches is "experiential learning," hands-on personalized practice with live Internet-based systems and scenario-based virtual worlds. These remote laboratory-based learning solutions can bridge the gap between education and experience in such fast-growing fields as IT, healthcare technology and business consulting. State-of-the-art experiential learning solutions offer a "technology apprenticeship" for students seeking real-world experience while still in school. As students gain practical skills in an authentic and safe learning environment, organizations can focus on their core competencies and avoid the distractions of complex experiential learning development and delivery. So, where do you get all of this great experiential learning content? The good news is … it is all around us! Each student holds hundreds of experiences inside them that can be used to improve the performance of everyone in the class. We just need to figure out how to tap into those experiences. From an instructional perspective, live practice closes the kinesthetic learning loop, thus enhancing cognitive encoding and improving skills retention. In this session, we will explore the power of experiential learning from three delivery platforms: • Web-based Student Desktops - fully functional WindowsTM desktops built specifically for each student. This "electronic locker" includes all of the software applications, lab tools, and central storage required for a given course or an entire degree program. • Technology LiveLabs - are remote hands-on laboratories with live equipment via a web-based anytime, anywhere interface. • Immersive Environments - "day-in-the-life" experiences that combine the instructional power of LiveLabs with the engaging authenticity of virtual worlds filled with virtual people.
Lead Presenter
David James Clarke IV, MBA As Toolwire's Founder, David James Clarke IV brings over 25 years of industry passion and entrepreneurial spirit to his e-Learning architecture, publishing, and speaking projects. An education pioneer, Clarke developed the company's customer-centric philosophy and learning methodology, which originated the concept of live, hands-on learning for students in an anywhere, anytime format. Clarke is an industry expert in the education and e-Learning industries, and is a best-selling author of over 34 technology and learning books. Prior to Toolwire, he served as a technology architect and professor at the University of California, Berkeley where he pioneered one of the very first Multi-Sensory learning systems for technology. Prior to the University of California, Clarke founded the Computer Telephony Institute, and served as Director of systems integration at the Walt Disney Company. Clarke has a bachelor of sciences degree in genetics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Business Administration, M.I.S. from California Polytechnic. Most recently, Mr. Clarke was the Keynote Speaker at Online EDUCA Berlin 2009 where he discussed the academic benefits of Experiential Learning.