Executive Summary
A theoretical analysis of the IMPACT Learning Framework
Today's students are experiencing a rapidly changing world that is vastly different from that of their parents
and grandparents. Cobbold (2005) argued that the increased instability in the economic and social global
contexts will have implications, not just for employability, but also for the types of employment that will be
in demand. It is estimated that approximately 40% of Australian jobs that exist today will be redundant in the
next 15 years (Thompson, Hichens, & Hoyt, 2016).
The challenge for educators is to develop each student’s ability to be a self-regulated
learner.
Indeed, as what Alan Toffler suggested in the 1980s is becoming more evident, that the “illiterate of the 21st
century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” (1983,
p. 187). Today’s students need to be able to think critically, be creative, problem solve, and be able to work
collaboratively and to be continually learning and relearning to be able to meet the challenges and
opportunities of a rapidly changing world. This line of thought also transfers to businesses and commercial
industries, that need to maintain their employees’ currency in specific knowledges and skills but also their
capabilities with learning and relearning and an innovative mindset to maintain the competitive edge in a fast
moving, internationalised economy.
This report
“A theoretical analysis of IMPACT: a learning framework for the online environment” (hereafter,
the Report) was commissioned by the IMPACT Centre, a Queensland Government provider of online learning programs
to thousands of students and educators across Queensland, Australia.
IMPACT was strategically developed to enhance the
outcomes and collective experiences of students, teachers, parents and the community, who learn
in an online environment.
There are six elements of IMPACT: Inspire, Model, Practise, Apply, Connect and Transform. Under each element are
concepts and related strategies for effective teaching and learning in an online environment.
This report provides an in-depth review of the theoretical underpinning of the
IMPACT Learning Framework with regard to Child Development and Learning theories. Additionally, the
report investigates the nature of learning in an online world and examines the framework’s position and
validity as a pedagogical paradigm within an online learning context. It also begins to investigate the
transferability of the framework to mainstream education and the wider commercial industry.
IMPACT is
dynamic, valid and transferable
The major finding of this report is that the
IMPACT Learning Framework is a dynamic, valid and transferable instrument that contributes to
effective online teaching and learning internationally.
The
IMPACT Learning Framework utilises a more integrated approach to research and practice around teaching
and learning which has resulted in it having a focus beyond content and knowledge to include the metacognitive
and individual needs and beliefs of students.
- Its fluid and dynamic paradigm empowers teachers to act as
Learning Engineers taking a more in-situ role in building foundational knowledge and skills and
challenge students to inquire, think critically, be creative, problem solve and work collaboratively.
- Its strategically developed common language ensures that learning activities are accessible and meaningful
to students, educators and parents
- Its contemporary nature promotes technology-enabled learning (the effective and seamless use of digital
technologies) and self-regulatory learning (learning guided by metacognition, strategic action and
motivation to learn).
- Its underpinning learning theories validate the framework and are reflected at multiple points within the
six elements of IMPACT: Inspire, Model, Practise, Apply, Connect and Transform.
- Its transferability means that it should not be restricted to distance education, rather, it can and should
be adapted to mainstream schooling, tertiary education and industry-based training.
- The
IMPACT Learning Framework sits within a Humanistic paradigm activating high levels of
interactivity and communication between instructor and learner; learner to learner; learner with content;
and learner with digital tools and environment.
IMPACT promotes growth mindsets and self-reglated learning
The overarching goal of the
IMPACT Learning Framework is for students and educators to develop mindsets that drive positive
behaviours and lead to successful outcomes. Students’ positive attitudes are part of Carol Dweck’s growth
mindset theory where students take responsibility for their learning and learning outcomes; attribute their
success to their own efforts; have confidence in their ability and are persistent; and are able to be resilient
when faced with challenges (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Self-regulatory learning is the metacognitive awareness of one’s learning strengths and weaknesses. It is the
ability to set up learning goals, to monitor their own learning process, to seek help when needed and to manage
the time (Cazan 2014). It has a direct correlation to student achievement in online courses (Zimmerman &
Schunk, 2001).
IMPACT'S dynamic nature facilitates further updates and research
It is recommended that the
IMPACT Learning Framework’s fluid and dynamic paradigm be further investigated to explore how students
and teachers use it across different contexts. An initial diagnosis of appropriation by IMPACT Centre teachers
and distance education teachers is required as baseline data in an online education context. Following this,
mainstream classroom adaptation and industry trials should be investigated. It is also recommended that the
IMPACT Learning Framework’s alignment to developmental, neuroscience-based and other learning theories
be further articulated and updated so that it maintains its currency.
Dr Sarah Prestridge and Dr Katherine Main
School
of Education and Professional Studies, 2017.