Expectations of learning media for self-directed learning

Abstract

Self-directed learning (SDL) enables learners to guide themselves to achieve better learning. This idea is spreading now in Japan, and revealing what self-directed learners expect from learning media will help to design an appropriate media education and SDL environment. A questionnaire survey was used to gain information on the general tendencies regarding the choice of learning media. University students tend to choose media with high availability although they recognize that media might have low credibility. Additional interviews were conducted to show the complex process of media choice among self-directed learners. The analysis revealed three criteria for the choice of learning media: credible, academic, and personally preferable. Self-directed learners choose from these while they adjust the weighting of each dimension according to the different time allowed, the importance of the contents, and the degree of acquisition. A discussion on these results is conducted to determine how to encourage self-directed media use.