Pedagogy describes the traditional instructional approach based on teacher-directed learning theory. Andragogy describes the approach based on self-directed learning theory. Malcolm Knowles, a recognized leader in the field of adult education, coined the term andragogy from the Greek words aner, meaning adult, and agogus, meaning guide or leader, to describe the art and science of helping adults learn (Knowles, 1992).

The nature of the online learner suggests that online instructor training be based on andragogical theory.

an experiential model that is learner-centered rather than instructor-centered, dialogue-based rather than lecture-based.

elective affinities

Peer review activities cast students in the role of teachers by asking them to read and evaluate a fellow student's work.

On-demand interaction and support services

open source movement

Digital StudyHall (DSH)

We now need a new approach to learning—one characterized by a demand-pull rather than the traditional supply-push mode of building up an inventory of knowledge in students’ heads. Demand-pull learning shifts the focus to enabling participation in flows of action, where the focus is both on “learning to be” through enculturation into a practice as well as on collateral learning.