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Informed learning: Supporting student transition and academic success in higher education Hilary Hughes and Christine Bruce Queensland University of Technology, Australia Informed learning: Supporting student transition and academic success in higher education Hilary Hughes and Christine Bruce Queensland University of Technology, Australia Higher Education Academy Annual Conference Manchester, UK, July 2012

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Brisbane, Australia South Bank Parklands, Brisbane River and CBD (city centre)

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Upper Kedron, Brisbane

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Informed learning: Supporting student transition and academic success in higher education Overview Evolution of informed learning. Principles and characteristics of informed learning. Informed learning in practice: 3 units of study. Photo copied with permission from QUT website

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Socially and culturally diverse; International engagement; Imperatives: sustainability, quality and equity; Trend towards online and part-time learning; Graduate attributes + disciplinary knowledge; Australian higher education

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Informed learning = simultaneous attention to subject learning and information use using information to learn something Christine Bruce, Informed learning, 2008 critical, creative, reflective, ethical, wise use of information (in all forms ) to learn (in all contexts)

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takes into account learners previous experiences of information use and knowledge brings about changes in learners experiences of information use and knowledge promotes simultaneous learning about information use and subject(s) Principles of informed learning Adapted from Bruce, 2008

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characteristics of informed learning trans formativereflectiveresponsible active eclectic collab orative balanced context ualised grounded expansive creative inclusive Adapted from Bruce, 2008

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Informed learning in practice papajOe (2008). The spit at broadwater_edited-2. Copied under Creative Commons licence. http://www.flickr.com/photos/46543410@N02/4474762366/

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Personalised Language Development (MEd TESOL/TEFL at QUT) Simultaneously experiencing different ways of using information to create a literature review learning about second language learning Unit objectives an informed learning journey ~ Extend subject knowledge - topic related to second/foreign language learning. ~ Develop familiarity with Aus academic environment & conventions. ~ Develop awareness of diverse information types, sources & media. ~ Develop a critical, creative, reflective, ethical approach to using info for learning. ~ Develop scholarly communication strategies for - written & oral. ~ Explore concepts and practice of informed learning.

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Cyberlearning (Master of Education at QUT) Simultaneously learning about cyberlearning theory & practice: as disciplinary knowledge Unit objectives informed cyberlearning ~ Extend subject knowledge theory and topical issues of cyberlearning. ~ Develop familiarity with online learning environment (formal and social). ~ Use online media to collaboratively design and create a cyberlearning resource. ~ Develop a critical, creative, reflective, ethical approach to using info for cyberlearning. ~ Apply pedagogical strategies to support students cyberlearning. ~ Explore learning and creating in a virtual team. experiencing different ways of using online information/media: as learners, educators: designers and critics

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~ Informed learning at University of Colorado Denver

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Learning in the 21 st century (First year experience seminar at UC Denver) Simultaneously learning about learning: as disciplinary knowledge Unit objectives becoming informed learners ~ Extend subject knowledge basic theory about learning and learners. ~ Develop familiarity with university learning environment. ~ Explore different learning spaces. ~ Build learning community and personal learner identity. ~ Use information of various types to research a topic about learning. ~ Develop a critical, creative, reflective, ethical approach to using info for learning. experiencing different ways of using information to learn: as freshmen students

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First year experience as informed learning journey

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Informed learning treasure chests

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TransitionStudents experiences of informed learning Informed learning from diverse life experiences who: students educational experiences, knowledge, linguistic & cultural attributes here information-learning environment where: culturally diverse online- intensive higher education using information what: different types of information and media how: approaches to using information discipline and subject focus: developing new understandings and knowledge dimensions influences: affective, reflective, cultural-linguistic strengths-challenges capabilities and needs: information use and subject knowledge to continuing informed learning well-being: personal and professional growth informed citizenship: social participation informed worldview: cross- cultural fluency

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iMakeGuernsey (2011) Bluebell Wood, Guernsey. Copied with creative Commons licence from http://www.flickr.com/photos/imakeguernsey/5640571512/ The informed learning journey looks like an alley bordered by a lot of wonderful flowers. Learners gather these beautiful things while walking and now it is time for harvest festival. (Tania, China) Conclusion

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International students experiences of informed learning Questions ? Thank you Hilary Hughes and Christine Bruce h.hughes@qut.edu.au c.bruce@qut.edu.au

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Informed Learning Bibliography Bruce, C. S. (2008). Informed learning. Chicago: College and Research Libraries, American Library Association. Bruce, C.S. (1997). The seven faces of information literacy. Adelaide: Auslib Press. Bruce, C.S. & Hughes, H. (2010). Informed Learning: A pedagogical construct for information literacy education. Library and Information Science Research,32(4), A2- A8. Bruce, C.S., Hughes, H., & Somerville, M.M. (2012). Supporting informed learners in the 21 st century. Library Trends, 60(3). Hughes, H. (2012). Informed (cyber)learning: A case study. In P. Godwin and J. Parker. Information literacy beyond Library 2.0. (pp. 139-150). London: Facet. Hughes, H. (forthcoming, 2012). International students using online information resources to learn: complex experience and learning needs. Journal of Further and Higher Education. URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0309877X.2011.644778 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0309877X.2011.644778 Hughes, H., & Bruce, C.S. (2012). Informed learning in online environments: Supporting the higher education curriculum beyond Web 2.0. In P. Godwin and J. Parker. Information literacy beyond Library 2.0. (pp. 65-79). London: Facet.