Learning Transformation – An Introduction

  Picture by Olaf

When we think of a ‘transformation’, what do we usually think of? A caterpillar turning into a butterfly, Clark Kent turning into Superman, a lorry turning into a robot, AC turning into DC current or Dr Jekyll turning into Mr Hyde? Maybe those last two aren’t such good examples but in all of these cases it is clear what emerges as a result of the transformation and that it is usually better.

When we talk about Learning Transformation or transforming learning we do not have the same clear image of what should emerge. This is probably the biggest hurdle we have to overcome; we do not know what we are or what we should be transforming learning into. We have no clear vision or guidance as to what learning should look like once it has been ‘transformed’.

We may have a ‘gut feeling’ that what results from the transformation should be better than what we have now. So is simply improving what we do now enough to bring about a transformation? I would suggest not.

What we are being asked to consider is transforming learning. This means going beyond improving our teaching and toward changing the way in which learning is enabled and presented for the learners.

I have already said that I do not feel there is a clear vision of what should emerge as a result of a transformation in learning. There are, however, a good number of pointers, clues, developments, innovations or initiatives in the wide education field which we can use to help create such a vision.

What I would like to do is to look at these various clues and initiatives to help build a vision and help guidance us toward bringing about a transformation in learning.

What I intend to do is to look at elements of Personalisation and Assessment for Learning to see how they contribute to transforming learning. I intend also to look at the Learning Environment, which will include the Virtual learning Environment, the Built Learning Environment, the Personal Learning Environment and the Home environment. Thirdly, I intend to look at ICT as a vehicle for enabling the transformation of learning.