After completing the readings for this unit, write a list of all the learning spaces in which you currently learn: formal, informal, or open, and discuss any surprises you had in realizing the scope and context for adult learning. Connect your surprises to the readings, review your classmates lists for common ideas and counter ideas and consider why is it important to reflect on the changing learning space when studying contexts of adult learning? Please post a collage of images of learning spaces with this post.

A few of my favourite learning spaces include the bedroom floor for scattering my essays, backyard patio, office, city park, and reading chair. Other formal, informal, and open learning spaces I enjoy are Okanagan College library/green space/cafeteria, UBC Okanagan terrarium and green space, Kelowna City Hall cafeteria, Kasugai Japanese garden park, Parkinson Recreation Centre, my living room, kitchen/dining room table, reading in bed, and my car while waiting for my stepdaughter to finish work at Costco.

I am not surprised at the scope and context for adult learning when according to Schuller and Desjardins (2007, p. 10), learning does not occur just in school – it is both “lifewide” (i.e. it occurs in multiple contexts, such as work, at home and in our social lives) and “lifelong” (from the cradle to the grave). I consider myself to use a lifelong learner lens and particularly enjoy informal learning while watching a classic movie on television.

I was not even surprised with was the article Space and the Embodiment in Informal Learning by (Cox, 2018). As a previous formal learning student before Covid 19 and online courses, I could relate to Cox’s points that I valued while attending University while looking at the campus as a learning landscape. I had a favourite study area that was isolated, quiet, space to spread my books out, near a window, and close to the cafeteria for breaks. Unfortunately, my formal learning was far too social with too little quiet independent study time. My final grades were less than stellar, and I passed my courses, but I would not trade the experience for anything.

This EDAE 6303 course is an example of formal learning because it is delivered in a systematic, intentional way. It is planned and guided by Dr. Noble and through an online platform. The exception would be the two zoom meetings with Dr. Noble, which may be considered informal. The sessions are not mandatory, questions unstructured, occurs outside the usual learning setting, and conversations happen naturally.

Laurie

References

Cox, A. M. (2018). Space and embodiment in informal learning. Higher Education (00181560), 75(6),      1077–1090. https://search-ebscohost-            com.libraryservices.yorkvilleu.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=url,cookie,ip,uid&db=a9h& AN=129812361

Schuller, T. & Desjardins, R. (2007). Understanding the social outcomes of learning. Organization for      Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293074269_Understanding_the_Social_Outcomes_of_Learning