Adults can learn from K-12 too

Ok, I admit it...I have a gripe about all the good online learning sites narrowing their user base with the title, K-12.  Adults wanting to differentiate themselves from a being identified within the traditional youth school system, but hey...there's some good stuff out there with the K-12 name on it that anyone might want to browse.




While looking for a free online educational learning resource focused on social change I came across the Science NetLinks course titled, Social Class, Social Change  and Poverty.  What impressed me is the critical thinking component and easily accessed resources.  Just because an adult is not an educator or in the K-12 classroom doesn't mean that this site cannot offer a valuable learning opportunity.

According to Downes, "Open educational resources are materials used to support education that may be freely accessed, reused, modified and shared by anyone" (2011, p. 133).  As a self directed learner this statement give me the go ahead and find any resource that fits my needs. 

Often I will look for children's resources when I am studying an unfamiliar concept.  By doing this, I am allowing myself to create an easily accessible base point from which to propel myself into more challenging concepts.  If you are going to jump into the learning pool, why not check out the wading area first?

As an educator, I would recommend to any learner to follow my lead.  It doesn't matter what level the instruction is directed at.  If it interests you, sit down and experience all that it has to offer.

The second way that I would utilize this learning platform is help adults create their own learning content for their families.  Community education is not just low cost, family friendly, fun activities.  Community education by its very definition means that the community is creating the educational experiences.

During economic down times, parents may struggle explaining to their child why life has suddenly shifted.  If I were to meet a woman who recently lost her job and was worried about how to buy holiday gifts, I might suggest that she work through this tutorial with her child at the local library. 

Sitting together and accessing educational materials teaches children that education is a process.  In this instance, one must learn how to navigate to the materials, review the content, find meaning in the lesson and share the experience with another person. 

In my eyes, spending this much time with your child is a far greater gift than anything that could be purchased at a store.  My goal is to help people see the value in community building, sharing and understanding one another. 

For the site makers out there, please throw us a bone once in awhile and drop the K-12 only moniker.   What about K-12 and lifelong learners instead?  It has a ring to it.

Reference

 

Downes, S. (2011). Free learning: Essays on open educational resources and copyright. Retrieved from http://www.downes.ca/files/books/FreeLearning.pdf