Turkey-based Civil Engineers’ Intentional Informal Learning Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Yıl 2024,
, 219 - 234, 15.07.2024
Tanju Deveci
,
İdris Bedirhanoğlu
Öz
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a disjuncture causing individuals to seek various learning opportunities, including intentional informal learning (IIL). This study investigated 190 Turkey-based civil engineers’ IIL experiences influenced by the pandemic. Data were collected using a survey with close- and open-ended questions. Results revealed that the participants’ overall IIL engagement was at a moderate level, trying to compensate for the lack of information and skills deemed essential, most of which were job-related. Although they also indicated general interest-related IIL activities, these were still related to work. Results also showed that the participants normally used internet-based learning sources and had a tendency toward communicative and collaborative IIL activities. Based on the results, training programs for civil engineers are recommended to emphasize the notion of IIL and create communicative and collaborative learning opportunities in virtual and non-virtual environments.
Kaynakça
- Arroyo, E., Righi, V., Tarrago, R., Santos, P., Hernández-Leo, D., & Blat, J. (2011). Remote collaborative multi-user informal learning experiences: Design and evaluation. In: Kloos, C.D., Gillet, D., Crespo García, R.M., Wild, F., Wolpers, M. (eds) Towards Ubiquitous Learning. EC-TEL 2011. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 6964. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23985-4_5
- Bjursell, C. (2020). “The COVID-19 Pandemic as Disjuncture: Lifelong Learning in a Context of Fear.” International Review of Education, 66, 673-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09863-w
- Commission of the European Communities. (2005). Proposal for a recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Councils on key competences for lifelong learning. Brussels https://www.eumonitor.nl/9353000/1/j4nvgs5kjg27kof_j9vvik7m1c3gyxp/vkl58h3b78m1/f=/5464_18.pdf
- Deveci, T. (2019). Interpersonal communication predispositions for lifelong learning: The case of first year students. Journal of Education and Future, 19(15), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.358529
- Deveci, T. (2022). UAE-based first-year university students’ perception of lifelong learning skills affected by COVID-19. Tuning in Higher Education, 9(2), 279-306. https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe.2069
- EU Council (2012). Official Journal of the European Union, Council Recommendation of 20th December 2012 on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (2012/c 398/01)
- Facer, K., & Sandford, R. (2010). The next 25 years? Future scenarios and future directions for education and technology. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(1), 74–93.
- Fisher, R., Simmons, R., Thompson, T. (2019). Introduction to the lifelong learning sector. In J. Avis, R. Fisher and R. Thompson (Eds.). Teaching in lifelong learning: A guide to theory and practice (pp. 3-27). Open University Press.
- Golding, B., Brown, M., & Foley, A. (2009). Informal learning: A discussion around defining and researching its breadth and importance. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 49(1), 34–56
- Havighurst, R. J. (1972). Developmental tasks and education. New York, NY: David McKay.
- Hou, T. (09 September 2020). The impact of the ‘new normal’ on young engineers’ careers. Institution of Civil Engineers. https://ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/september-2020/impact-of-the-new-normal-on-young-engineers, September 27, 2021
- Huang, W. H. D., & Oh, E. (2016). Retaining disciplinary talents as informal learning outcomes in the digital age: An exploratory framework to engage undergraduate students with career decision-making processes. In V. C. X. Wang (Ed.), Handbook of research on learning outcomes and opportunities in the digital age (pp. 402–420). IGI Global.
- Jarvis, P. (2009). Lifelong learning: A social ambiguity. In The Routledge International Handbook of Lifelong Learning, edited by P. Jarvis, 9-18. London and New York: Routledge.
- James, N., & Thériault. V. (2020.) Adult education in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: Inequalities, changes, and resilience. Studies in the Education of Adults, 52(2), 129-133. https://doi.org/10.1080/02660830.2020.1811474
- Keese, A. G. (2011). A model for semi-informal online learning communities: A case study of the Nasa Inspire Project. PhD Dissertation. Oklahoma State University.
- Kuhfeld, M., Soland, J., Tarasawa, Bth., Johnson, A., Ruzek, E., & Liu, J. (2020). Projecting the potential impacts of COVID-19 school closures on academic achievement. (EdWorkingPaper: 20-226). Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: https://doi.org/10.26300/cdrv-yw05
- Kumar, P. J. (2020). Impact of pandemic COVID-19 on education in India. International Journal of Current Research, 12(7), 12583-12586.
- Lai, H. J. (2017). Factors affecting knowledge acquisition among adult workers in online informal learning activities. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(1), 505–515.
- Lange, P. G. (2019). Informal learning on YouTube. In: Hobbs, R, Mihailidis, P (eds) The International Encyclopedia of Media Literacy. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Online Library, pp. 1–11.
- Lebeničnik, M., Pitt, I., & Starčič, A. I. (2015). Use of online learning resources in the development of learning environments at the intersection of formal and informal learning: The student as autonomous designer. CEPS Journal, 5(2), 95-113.
- Lee, B., & Sing, S. A. (2013). Social media as an informal learning platform: Case study on adult learning at SIM University, Singapore. Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, 93, 1158-1161.
- Livingstone, D. (2006) Informal learning: conceptual distinctions and preliminary findings. In Z. Bekerman, N. C. Burbules, & D. SilbermanKeller, (Eds.). Learning in places: The informal education reader (pp. 203–228). New York: Peter Lang.
- Lohman, M. C. (2009). A survey of the factors influencing the engagement of information technology professionals in informal learning activities. Information Technology, Learning, and Performance Journal, 25(1), 43-53.
- McMahan, E. A., & Dehart Renken, M. (2011). Eudaimonic conceptions of well-being, meaning in life, and self-reported well-being: Initial test of a mediational model. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, 589-594.
- Menczer, F. (2018, June 21). Biases make people vulnerable to misinformation spread by social media. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/biases-make-people-vulnerable-to-misinformation-spread-by-social-media/
- Okita, S. (2012). Social interaction and learning. In N. M. Seel (Ed.). Encyclopedia of the sciences of learning (pp. 3104-3107). New York, NY: Springer.
- Persun, T. (Apr 9, 2020). How engineers are working through the Coronavirus pandemic. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/how-engineers-are-working-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic, December 27, 2021.
- Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2006). The content validity index: Are you sure you know what’s being reported? Critique and recommendations. Research in Nursing and Health, 29(5), 489-497. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147
- Pozgaj, A. (2008). Informal learning in lifelong education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 3, 50–53. Retrieved from https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jet/article/view/612 on 14 February 2018
- Scribne, S., & Cole, M. (1973). Cognitive consequences of formal and informal education. Science, New Series, 182(4112), 553–559.
- Sefton-Green, J. (2004). Literature review in informal learning with technology outside school. Bristol, UK: Futurelab.
- Steger, M. F. (2009). Meaning in life. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder. The Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd Edition) (pp. 679-687). New York: Oxford University Press.
- Tarkar, P. (2020). Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on education system. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(9), 3812-3814.
- Thomas, A. (2002). Informal learning, home education and homeschooling. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Retrieved from https://infed.org/mobi/informal-learning-home-education-and-homeschooling-home-schooling/ on 14 February 2017.
- Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
- World Economic Forum. (2020). The future of jobs report 2020. World Economic Forum: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Yu, H., Liu, P., Huang, X., and Cao, Y. (2021) Teacher online informal learning as a means to innovative teaching during home quarantine in the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 596582. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.59658
Turkey-based Civil Engineers’ Intentional Informal Learning Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Yıl 2024,
, 219 - 234, 15.07.2024
Tanju Deveci
,
İdris Bedirhanoğlu
Öz
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a disjuncture causing individuals to seek various learning opportunities, including intentional informal learning (IIL). This study investigated 190 Turkey-based civil engineers’ IIL experiences influenced by the pandemic. Data were collected using a survey with close- and open-ended questions. Results revealed that the participants’ overall IIL engagement was at a moderate level, trying to compensate for the lack of information and skills deemed essential, most of which were job-related. Although they also indicated general interest-related IIL activities, these were still related to work. Results also showed that the participants normally used internet-based learning sources and had a tendency toward communicative and collaborative IIL activities. Based on the results, training programs for civil engineers are recommended to emphasize the notion of IIL and create communicative and collaborative learning opportunities in virtual and non-virtual environments.
Kaynakça
- Arroyo, E., Righi, V., Tarrago, R., Santos, P., Hernández-Leo, D., & Blat, J. (2011). Remote collaborative multi-user informal learning experiences: Design and evaluation. In: Kloos, C.D., Gillet, D., Crespo García, R.M., Wild, F., Wolpers, M. (eds) Towards Ubiquitous Learning. EC-TEL 2011. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 6964. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23985-4_5
- Bjursell, C. (2020). “The COVID-19 Pandemic as Disjuncture: Lifelong Learning in a Context of Fear.” International Review of Education, 66, 673-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09863-w
- Commission of the European Communities. (2005). Proposal for a recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Councils on key competences for lifelong learning. Brussels https://www.eumonitor.nl/9353000/1/j4nvgs5kjg27kof_j9vvik7m1c3gyxp/vkl58h3b78m1/f=/5464_18.pdf
- Deveci, T. (2019). Interpersonal communication predispositions for lifelong learning: The case of first year students. Journal of Education and Future, 19(15), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.30786/jef.358529
- Deveci, T. (2022). UAE-based first-year university students’ perception of lifelong learning skills affected by COVID-19. Tuning in Higher Education, 9(2), 279-306. https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe.2069
- EU Council (2012). Official Journal of the European Union, Council Recommendation of 20th December 2012 on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (2012/c 398/01)
- Facer, K., & Sandford, R. (2010). The next 25 years? Future scenarios and future directions for education and technology. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(1), 74–93.
- Fisher, R., Simmons, R., Thompson, T. (2019). Introduction to the lifelong learning sector. In J. Avis, R. Fisher and R. Thompson (Eds.). Teaching in lifelong learning: A guide to theory and practice (pp. 3-27). Open University Press.
- Golding, B., Brown, M., & Foley, A. (2009). Informal learning: A discussion around defining and researching its breadth and importance. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 49(1), 34–56
- Havighurst, R. J. (1972). Developmental tasks and education. New York, NY: David McKay.
- Hou, T. (09 September 2020). The impact of the ‘new normal’ on young engineers’ careers. Institution of Civil Engineers. https://ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/september-2020/impact-of-the-new-normal-on-young-engineers, September 27, 2021
- Huang, W. H. D., & Oh, E. (2016). Retaining disciplinary talents as informal learning outcomes in the digital age: An exploratory framework to engage undergraduate students with career decision-making processes. In V. C. X. Wang (Ed.), Handbook of research on learning outcomes and opportunities in the digital age (pp. 402–420). IGI Global.
- Jarvis, P. (2009). Lifelong learning: A social ambiguity. In The Routledge International Handbook of Lifelong Learning, edited by P. Jarvis, 9-18. London and New York: Routledge.
- James, N., & Thériault. V. (2020.) Adult education in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: Inequalities, changes, and resilience. Studies in the Education of Adults, 52(2), 129-133. https://doi.org/10.1080/02660830.2020.1811474
- Keese, A. G. (2011). A model for semi-informal online learning communities: A case study of the Nasa Inspire Project. PhD Dissertation. Oklahoma State University.
- Kuhfeld, M., Soland, J., Tarasawa, Bth., Johnson, A., Ruzek, E., & Liu, J. (2020). Projecting the potential impacts of COVID-19 school closures on academic achievement. (EdWorkingPaper: 20-226). Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: https://doi.org/10.26300/cdrv-yw05
- Kumar, P. J. (2020). Impact of pandemic COVID-19 on education in India. International Journal of Current Research, 12(7), 12583-12586.
- Lai, H. J. (2017). Factors affecting knowledge acquisition among adult workers in online informal learning activities. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(1), 505–515.
- Lange, P. G. (2019). Informal learning on YouTube. In: Hobbs, R, Mihailidis, P (eds) The International Encyclopedia of Media Literacy. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Online Library, pp. 1–11.
- Lebeničnik, M., Pitt, I., & Starčič, A. I. (2015). Use of online learning resources in the development of learning environments at the intersection of formal and informal learning: The student as autonomous designer. CEPS Journal, 5(2), 95-113.
- Lee, B., & Sing, S. A. (2013). Social media as an informal learning platform: Case study on adult learning at SIM University, Singapore. Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, 93, 1158-1161.
- Livingstone, D. (2006) Informal learning: conceptual distinctions and preliminary findings. In Z. Bekerman, N. C. Burbules, & D. SilbermanKeller, (Eds.). Learning in places: The informal education reader (pp. 203–228). New York: Peter Lang.
- Lohman, M. C. (2009). A survey of the factors influencing the engagement of information technology professionals in informal learning activities. Information Technology, Learning, and Performance Journal, 25(1), 43-53.
- McMahan, E. A., & Dehart Renken, M. (2011). Eudaimonic conceptions of well-being, meaning in life, and self-reported well-being: Initial test of a mediational model. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, 589-594.
- Menczer, F. (2018, June 21). Biases make people vulnerable to misinformation spread by social media. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/biases-make-people-vulnerable-to-misinformation-spread-by-social-media/
- Okita, S. (2012). Social interaction and learning. In N. M. Seel (Ed.). Encyclopedia of the sciences of learning (pp. 3104-3107). New York, NY: Springer.
- Persun, T. (Apr 9, 2020). How engineers are working through the Coronavirus pandemic. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/how-engineers-are-working-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic, December 27, 2021.
- Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2006). The content validity index: Are you sure you know what’s being reported? Critique and recommendations. Research in Nursing and Health, 29(5), 489-497. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147
- Pozgaj, A. (2008). Informal learning in lifelong education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 3, 50–53. Retrieved from https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jet/article/view/612 on 14 February 2018
- Scribne, S., & Cole, M. (1973). Cognitive consequences of formal and informal education. Science, New Series, 182(4112), 553–559.
- Sefton-Green, J. (2004). Literature review in informal learning with technology outside school. Bristol, UK: Futurelab.
- Steger, M. F. (2009). Meaning in life. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder. The Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd Edition) (pp. 679-687). New York: Oxford University Press.
- Tarkar, P. (2020). Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on education system. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(9), 3812-3814.
- Thomas, A. (2002). Informal learning, home education and homeschooling. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Retrieved from https://infed.org/mobi/informal-learning-home-education-and-homeschooling-home-schooling/ on 14 February 2017.
- Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
- World Economic Forum. (2020). The future of jobs report 2020. World Economic Forum: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Yu, H., Liu, P., Huang, X., and Cao, Y. (2021) Teacher online informal learning as a means to innovative teaching during home quarantine in the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 596582. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.59658