Fostering self-directed learning with ICT

Although self-directed learning is not new as an educational goal, it is increasingly gaining importance in Singapore's education landscape, especially with the launch of the third masterplan for IT in Education in August 2008, which aims to prepare Singapore students for the challenges in the 21st century. With the advancement of technology and the abundance of information on the World Wide Web (WWW), it becomes imperative for educators and teachers to consider interventions that will equip students with the skills to capitalise on these factors and become technologically literate (Ng, 2008). Grooming students who are capable of thinking and learning effectively and efficiently with technologies as an independent learner, requires a conscientious effort on the part of educators and teachers as this involves a good understanding of self-directed learning and pedagogical approaches to foster and facilitate self-directed learning. In this chapter, we will provide an overview of self-directed learning, discuss the roles of technologies in self-directed learning, and provide suggestions on fostering and assessing self-directed learning with technologies.