Designing Learning Experiences for Non-Traditional Learners: A Case Study
Non-traditional learners are those who do not fall within the usual learner profile, including adults, professionals who are working, and people with disabilities. Designing learning experiences that meet the specific requirements and preferences of these learners can be difficult. In this post, we’ll look at a case study of a productive educational program created for non-traditional learners.
Case Study
We will use the University of California, Berkeley’s “Foundations of Data Science” course as our case study. The goal of this course was to give non-traditional learners—such as working professionals—the knowledge and abilities they would need to pursue a career in data science.
A mixed learning strategy was used to create the course, combining online and in-person instruction. This method offered opportunities for in-person connection and cooperation while allowing learners to access course materials at their own pace and leisure.
Also, the course had a number of elements that appealed to non-traditional learners’ demands, like:
- Flexibility: The course was created to be flexible, allowing learners to select the time and location of their studies. For working people who needed to juggle their courses with their jobs and personal life, this flexibility was crucial.
- Interactive Learning: Quizzes, conversations, and group projects were just a few of the course’s interactive learning components. These exercises gave learners the chance to put their knowledge to use and work with their peers.
- Supportive Environment: With access to online services like tutoring and mentorship, the course offered learners a friendly environment to help them achieve. This was crucial for learners who would not have received the assistance they required to excel in conventional educational environments.
Results
The “Foundations of Data Science” course met its objectives, with high completion rates and levels of engagement among non-traditional learners. Learners gave the course high reviews and praised its adaptability, engagement, and encouraging environment.
The success of this course highlights how crucial it is to create learning experiences that are tailored to the requirements of non-traditional learners. Non-traditional learners can be empowered to thrive in their education and achieve their career objectives by offering flexibility, interactivity, and a supportive atmosphere.
Conclusion
It might be difficult to create learning experiences for non-traditional learners, but it is crucial to make sure that they have access to education that suits their particular requirements and preferences. The University of California, Berkeley’s “Foundations of Data Science” course is an effective illustration of a learning environment created for non-traditional learners. This course enabled non-traditional learners to thrive in their education and follow their career objectives by offering flexibility, interactivity, and a supportive environment.
References:
Barr, R. B., & Tagg, J. (1995). From teaching to learning–A new paradigm for undergraduate education. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 27(6), 13-25.
Bates, A. W., & Sangrà, A. (2011). Managing technology in higher education: Strategies for transforming teaching and learning. John Wiley & Sons.
Kolowich, S. (2017). A MOOC that puts everything in place. The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Laurillard, D. (2012). Teaching as a design science: Building pedagogical patterns for learning and technology. Routledge.
Rumble, G. (2015). The costs and economics of open and distance learning. Routledge.
Wilhelm, M. (2013). Blended learning: Using technology in and beyond the language classroom. Oxford University Press.