Their Time: Understanding and Supporting the Self-Directed Learning Goals of Minority College Students

• In Event: 67.067 - MTCC Roundtable Session 31
  In Roundtable Session: 67.067-6 - Advancing the Academic and Professional Development of Diverse Scholars

Abstract

In this pilot study, we explore how nine minority college, college-bound, and recently graduated college students are using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and online/mobile resources (e.g., communities of practice, massive open online courses) to direct their learning in and out of the classroom. Today’s college students are learning at a time of unprecedented access to resources. As a result, students are seizing the opportunity to initiate, enhance, and supplement their academic and intellectual growth. In order to understand participants’ self-directed learning interests and its implications for stakeholders, we administered open-ended questionnaires and conducted interviews. This understanding of participants’ self-directed learning practices and interests might enable stakeholders to design learning opportunities that are aligned with their learning interests.

Authors

• George Nantwi, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Hui Soo Chae, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Gary J. Natriello, Teachers College, Columbia University