Is on-demand learning more efficient?

A key to answering this question can be found in Marie Wallace's summary of adult learning characteristics. As pointed out in the previous post, Internet and Adult Learning, which addresses these point by point, almost every one of these characteristics can be effectively addressed via web based on-demand learning. The result is greater motivation and greater immediate applicability. What is not addressed in that discussion is whether there is value of being exposed to things that we would not navigate to.

I can think of any number of things that I would not have sought to learn that I did learn because some well meaning soul put it an a course that I did not appreciate at the time. So while on my day to day practice I might find on-demand learning more appealing, I would not prescribe to myself not taking any push courses from well regarded faculty.

For the above reason you will find me stressing that new learning portals should contain both push and pull content. While those portals should take into account the learners context and immediate needs, they should also provide learner awareness of other content and resources. Balance is key.