Who is learning and why?

In an increasingly complex, fast-paced and digital world, who is learning online and why?

As we discussed in the previous step, there are a number of reasons more and more of our learning is happening informally and online. In particular, for adult learners, there are various motivations for what we choose to learn and why we’re doing this online.

In this video, we meet Susanna, Jorge and Mei – three different types of digital learners from across the world. As you watch, consider why they’re learning online, how they’re doing it and what their learning goals are.

As we’ll discover throughout this course, putting ourselves into our learners’ shoes is critical in terms of designing and delivering digital learning experiences that suit particular types of learners and the outcomes they’re looking to achieve.

For example, FutureLearn has conducted extensive research about different learner personas or archetypes and encourages digital learning practitioners using this platform to keep these in mind when creating their courses.

Your task

Watch the video to explore different learner archetypes and then reflect on your own motivation for being a digital learner.

Which of the learners outlined resonated with you most and why?

Use the comments to share your reflections and discuss what other possibilities and opportunities digital learning offers different types of learners, including yourself.

Behind the scenes: Chie’s story

The three personas I outline in this video were created by imagining prospective learners for an open online course, much like the one you’re participating in now. Drawing on FutureLearn’s work on learner archetypes, I’ve created Susana (Advancer), Jorge (Fixer) and Mei (Preparer). When designing MOOCs like this course, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re addressing a diverse cohort of learners (in this case, some of whom are also Deakin students). This presents a challenging – but also fun – task for learning designers and practitioners.