Seamless Learning Design: Supporting Continuity of Learning across Environments with Technology

Dr Ellen Rusman from the Open University of the Netherlands speaks at the 15th instalment of the New Education Normal Webinar Series.

Learning occurs in various (learning, professional and private) environments in which learners are intentionally and actively engaged. Framed by their direct experiences in and reflection on experiences in these environments they are interacting with, learners create new mental models, learn new skills, develop competencies and explore their own personal talents, behaviour and emotions. They thus actively construct meaning, either individually or collaboratively. As such, learning does not take place in isolation or in a vacuum, but is contextualised and often happens with others, as a social meaning making process.

While each environment affords specific opportunities for learning, it is also simultaneously framing and restricting them. For example, classroom learning facilitates different interaction patterns than outdoor learning. However, when combining and integrating learning activities and experiences in and across these environments, learning may become more effective, efficient, or enjoyable. Currently, opportunities to enhance learning processes by integrating experience(s) in and across environments and thus making the most of their specific affordances to support learning are yet left unexploited. Through Seamless Learning Design, we strive to bridge gaps and phase out boundaries between various daily learning environments a learner moves through. This is done through designed (pedagogical and technological) affordances and learning scenarios. In this webinar, we will look at various examples of seamless learning scenarios and identify design characteristics. Furthermore, we will reflect upon how the seamless learning design paradigm can help to shape and alter the current educational landscape and facilitate lifelong learning.