Towards a theoretical mobile heutagogy framework

Abstract

Heutagogy is a relatively new learning and teaching framework. Heutagogy advocates student centred learning and teaching strategies where the learning is directed and determined by the learner. At the time when heutagogy was conceptualised as a teaching framework (in 2000), the web was still in its infancy. More than a decade later, the web has evolved from being transmission focused (Web 1.0) to participatory in nature (Web 2.0). At the same time, mobile technologies such as smartphones and tablets have amplified the capabilities and ways Web 2.0 tools and technologies can be used. In this paper, we look at how mobile devices and social media can support and offer unique opportunities for using heutagogy as a pedagogical framework. A set of design principles is proposed resulting from a review of literature on heutagogy, social media and mLearning. The design principles provide educators with a guide on how to utilise the unique affordances of Web 2.0 tools and mobile devices in implementing learner directed and determined learning or life long learning.