How might socioeconomic status and/or being a minority youth shape learners’ SDL paths? In this article, Joni Schwartz presents a case of a young black Richard Osborne’s choice of SDL instead of going to college to achieve his life and professional goals. Schwartz points out that SDL is criticized for ignoring the contexts of learning, while critical race theory considers larger social circumstances for minority yout...

Getting learning resources through different ways is important for self-directed learners. As technologies advance, there are more tools, choices and platforms for self-directed learners to plan their own learning. Liu and Hwang (2010) point out that there are paradigm shifts in e-learning: from the traditional e-learning that relies on computers and networks, to mobile learning that uses mobile device...

Hui Soo’s recent post on A.I. in education reminds me of a book,

I am working on a conference paper on real-time locating systems (RTLS) in innovative learning spaces recently and find this concept of ubiquitous learning useful to vision innovative learning activities at the Smith Learning Theater.

Self- directed orientation toward learning is a learning style or "a way of acting or thinking in a learning situation” (Bonham, 1989). Despite of various differences in learners’ preferences, Bonham proposed two major categories for SDL: SD instructional model vs. SD inquiry model. Learners who prefer SD instructional approach tend to think linearly as they plan their learning journey with much details. In contrast, learners who fit better in the SD inquiry approach think of learning as a more holistically process. They can adapt to sporadic learning opportunities and are comfortable to ex...

For many, self-directed learning is for learners who are self-contained and capable of working isolatedly on projects they are passionate about. As learning resources conveniently accessible online, self-directed learners are often viewed as those who autonomously and effectively identify what they need online and absorb the knowledge. However, new communication and information technologies offer not...

Learning how to learn is an essential metacognitive skill for successful self-directed learners. Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr.Terrence Sejnowski popular MOOC from the perspectives of brain and learning science provides useful resources on this topic. In the beginning session, for instance, Dr. Oakley points out tha...

In my literature review on self-directed learning (SDL), the concept of self-regulated learning (SRL) comes up frequently and seems to share similarities with SDL. Further exploration about the relationships between these two concepts is important to better understand SDL. SRL focuses on learners' goal-setting, implementation of one’s learning goals and plans, metacognition, and self-assessment activities. While SDL shares similar characteristics, it also investigates how learning contexts interact with and shape these processes. 

Self-directed learning (SDL) is a fundamental concept in the field and practice of adult education. Although it was developed long before the rise of online learning environments, its emphasis on learner autonomy fits well with online learning that stresses flexibility for learners and instructors. Due to the increasingly popularity and ubiquity of online learning and its close association with the philosophy of SDL,