Open Inquiry as a Bridge Between Formal and Informal Lifelong Online Learning

Abstract

Many music educators have noted a gulf between what is taught in music courses and students' own interests. Technology not only offers various means to help bridge that gulf; it has also created a fast-paced world in which success may depend on the ability to continue learning throughout life. Using online open education resources to support course projects involving open-ended inquiry can help bridge the gulf between curriculum and student goals in ways that prepare students for lifelong learning. The breadth of offerings on the open Internet make personalized course projects feasible, and students may need the guided practice in using them to reach their learning goals. This chapter discusses an action research project which facilitated the inquiries of self-motivated adult online music learners in order to better understand their needs and experiences. Communities of practice, flexible processes, and learner familiarity with inquiry emerged as key issues.