Out of School Learning Blog Post

Out of School Learning

A Brief Explanation of Out of School Learning

Out-of-school learning encompasses educational activities and experiences that occur outside the traditional classroom setting, leveraging both physical and digital spaces to enhance learning opportunities. In physical spaces, students might engage in hands-on learning through visits to museums, parks, community centers, and historical sites, where they can interact with exhibits, participate in workshops, and explore real-world environments. Digital spaces, on the other hand, offer a wealth of online resources and platforms such as educational websites, virtual museum tours, online courses, and interactive learning apps. These digital tools provide flexible, personalized learning experiences that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, complementing the tangible, experiential learning found in physical settings. Together, these diverse environments create a rich, multifaceted approach to education, fostering engagement, skill development, and lifelong learning.

Personal Example of Out of School Learning Learning

During the pandemic, out-of-school learning became a crucial part of education as traditional classroom settings were no longer viable. I had to adapt quickly to teaching through Microsoft Teams and using Schoology to ensure continuity in my students' education. Microsoft Teams allowed me to conduct live classes, where I could interact with students in real-time, answer their questions, and maintain a semblance of the classroom environment through video calls and chat functions. Meanwhile, Schoology served as a comprehensive learning management system where I could upload assignments, resources, and assessments. It enabled students to access learning materials at their own pace, submit their work, and receive feedback digitally. This dual approach not only kept the learning process ongoing despite the physical separation but also introduced students to new digital tools and platforms, fostering independence and digital literacy. The experience highlighted the importance of flexibility and the potential of technology to support education beyond the classroom.

Strengths of Out of School Learning

Out-of-school learning offers numerous strengths, particularly through physical spaces such as museums and field trips, which provide enriching educational experiences. Museums, for instance, offer immersive environments where students can engage directly with artifacts, exhibitions, and interactive displays that bring history, science, and art to life. These experiences deepen understanding and allow for hands-on exploration that complements classroom learning. For example, when I took my 8th-grade classes to Washington DC, visiting landmarks like the Smithsonian museums and historical monuments provided tangible connections to our history lessons. Seeing the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives or standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial made the lessons more vivid and memorable. These physical spaces not only enhance academic knowledge but also foster critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and personal growth by exposing students to diverse perspectives and real-world applications of their learning.

Weaknesses of Out of School Learning

Despite its strengths, out-of-school learning can also present several weaknesses. One significant drawback is the potential lack of human interaction and personalized attention compared to traditional classroom settings. In settings like museums or field trips, students may not always have opportunities for in-depth discussions with educators or peers, limiting their ability to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. Furthermore, the focus of out-of-school learning experiences may sometimes be too broad or disconnected from specific learning objectives, leading to a lack of cohesive educational outcomes. Additionally, building genuine relationships with educators and peers can be challenging in these transient learning environments, impacting the depth of learning and emotional connections that often thrive in traditional classroom settings. As such, while out-of-school learning offers valuable experiential opportunities, careful planning and integration with formal educational goals are essential to mitigate these potential weaknesses and maximize its educational benefits.

References

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TedX Talks. (2017, February 7). Informal learning: The future | Girish Gopalakrishnan | TEDxNITTrichy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn-5OFcwpkM

Vadeboncoeur, J. A. (2006). Chapter 7: Engaging young people: Learning in informal contexts. Research in Education, 30(1), 239-278.

ChangSchool. (2016, July 25). Learning and games - James Paul Gee | ChangSchoolTalks 2016 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-zSKTV5Qxk

Gee, J. P., & Price, A. (2021). Game-design teaching and learning. Strategies, 34(3), pp. 35-38. DOI: 10.1080/08924562.2021.1896928

Hoffman, R. (2012, September 18). How-to: Affinity spaces [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbzf1YCeZ84&t=2s