Heutagogy and lifelong learning: A review of heutagogical practice and self-determined learning

Authors

  • Lisa Marie Blaschke Oldenburg University / University of Maryland University College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i1.1076

Keywords:

Lifelong learning, heutagogy, self-determined learning, andragogy, web 2.0, social media, capability, competency, double-loop learning, reflection

Abstract

Heutagogy, a form of self-determined learning with practices and principles rooted in andragogy, has recently resurfaced as a learning approach after a decade of limited attention. In a heutagogical approach to teaching and learning, learners are highly autonomous and self-determined and emphasis is placed on development of learner capacity and capability with the goal of producing learners who are well-prepared for the complexities of today’s workplace. The approach has been proposed as a theory for applying to emerging technologies in distance education and for guiding distance education practice and the ways in which distance educators develop and deliver instruction using newer technologies such as social media. The renewed interest in heutagogy is partially due to the ubiquitousness of Web 2.0, and the affordances provided by the technology. With its learner-centered design, Web 2.0 offers an environment that supports a heutagogical approach, most importantly by supporting development of learner-generated content and learner self-directedness in information discovery and in defining the learning path. Based on an extensive review of the current literature and research, this article defines and discusses the concepts of andragogy and heutagogy and describes the role of Web 2.0 in supporting a heutagogical learning approach. Examples of institutional programs that have incorporated heutagogical approaches are also presented; based on these examples and research results, course design elements that are characteristic of heutagogy are identified. The article provides a basis for discussion and research into heutagogy as a theory for guiding the use of new technologies in distance education.

Author Biography

Lisa Marie Blaschke, Oldenburg University / University of Maryland University College

Lisa Marie Blaschke is an assistant professor (adjunct) within the Master of Distance Education (MDE) program in the Graduate School of Management and Technology (GSMT) at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). She is also head of a communications consulting firm, Kreative Kommunikation, which offers a wide range of distance education services, from e-learning design and development to project management. Her research interests are in the areas of online collaborative learning, pedagogical application of web 2.0 tools, and user interface design. She currently lives with her family on the edge of a forest in the German Odenwald.

Published

2012-01-31

How to Cite

Blaschke, L. M. (2012). Heutagogy and lifelong learning: A review of heutagogical practice and self-determined learning. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 13(1), 56–71. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i1.1076

Issue

Section

Research Articles