Learning 2.0 – How Do We Learn in the 21st Century and Why Does It Matter?

Ellen Schuster
University of Missouri

Strap yourself in for this forward-thinking presentation about how Extension educators need to adapt programming – face-to-face and online – now and in the near future. Our society is rapidly becoming a mobile-first society. This is driving much of how we learn in the 21st century. Technology tools that are currently being used in K-12 and higher education will change how our Extension participants prefer to learn now and in the near future.

Demographics driving these changes will be shared and will address audiences such as young learners, school-age learners, young adults and older adults. The role and use of Learning 2.0 tools such as Facebook, open courseware, YouTube, QR codes, text messaging and gaming will be discussed. The impact of tablets, e-readers and mobile devices on learning styles will also be addressed. This presentation includes opportunities for participants to think about how they might use new tools with their audiences along with real-world examples of how emerging technologies are being implemented in Extension health programs.

Participants will identify how they can keep abreast of changes in the technology arena that will impact how learners will want to learn. Participants will leave with resources to help them continue to explore Learning 2.0 tools after the session including a Facebook page that the presenter authors to explore the place where nutrition and technology meet.