Student-Focused Learning: Higher Education in an Exponential Digital Era

Learning methods for the twenty-first century will include those which are student-centered, learning-focused, and digitally enhanced. Teaching will become learning management; the lecturer will become a learning guide, and students will become learning inventors. This book provides chapters describing a number of methods to be used in higher education in the twenty-first century. Some methods have been in existence for a period of time; others are literally at the front edge of development. Trying them out, piloting them, and experimenting with them for the benefit of the student is well worth the effort. It is best to be as prepared as possible for future changes rather than waiting to see what is going to happen. Those who try and are successful will be the leaders in learning management of the near future. In the digital world, being at the leading edge has definite advantages. No matter which method is used, it should focus on the student as learner with the faculty member as a learning guide. To survive in the twenty-first century, students will need to become continuous learners, developing with changes at an exponential velocity. Educators need to keep this critical concept in mind.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1. Concept-Based Education Chapter 2. Project Based Education Chapter 3. Online Education Chapter 4. The Flipped Classroom Education Chapter 5. Gaming Education Chapter 6. YouTube Education Chapter 7. Google Education Chapter 8. MOOC Education Chapter 9. Virtual Reality Education Epilogue About the Editor About the Contributors

About the Author :
Dr. Darrel W. Staat is past president of three community colleges and a state system. He has extensive experience as a classroom and online instructor and currently serves as a university professor.

Review :
Student Focused Learning proposes a thoughtful new approach to 21st-century higher education, reimagining students as learning inventors. Suggested strategies offer support for practitioners, from the novice to the seasoned educator. Student Focused Learning: Higher Education in an Exponential Digital Era is an informative read for college faculty looking for ways to engage students with emerging technologies. The book provides techniques to involve learners using technology, as well as platforms to enhance learning and to better prepare students for an exponential digital era with a changing workforce. Student Focused Learning: Higher Education in an Exponential Digital Era is a thorough resource that provides practical direction on student-focused teaching methods for higher education institutions in the digital era. A definite must read! Darrel Staat provides a glimpse into the impact of new and emerging technologies on teaching pedagogy in higher education. As technology evolves and student expectations change, so will the need to adjust practice to meet new learning style demands. Staat brings real world experience as a college president, system president, academic and author in providing a pathway for meeting the demands of incorporating such change and innovation into complex learning organizations. Student Focused Learning features valuable resources and suggestions for connecting with 21st-century students. From research on instructional uses of YouTube and Google to the ‘rookie mistakes’ to avoid when flipping the classroom, teachers at all levels will find helpful advice and inspiration in this collection of essays. The book, Student Focused Learning, will be very valuable to educators as well as students who are learning the important role that the digital era plays in student learning. The book provides a wealth of information that will be beneficial to students as they learn using today’s technology and digital resources.