Forging new pathways of research and innovation in open and distance learning

Forging new pathways of research and innovation in open and distance learning:
Reaching from the roots
Proceedings of the 9 th European Distance and E-Learning Network Research Workshop, 2016
Oldenburg, 4-6 October, 2016
ISBN 978-615-5511-12-7
SUPPORTING THE CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF CANADIAN
ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTHERS THROUGH AN EXPLORATION OF
THEIR DIGITAL LEARNING ECOLOGIES
Nicole Christen, Albert Sangrà, Open University of Catalonia,
Mercedes González-Sanmamed, University of A Coruña, Spain
Summary
This poster presentation will discuss the rationale for an early-stage research project exploring
the digital learning ecologies of Canadian entrepreneurial mothers, focusing on the dimension
of informal learning. This presentation is relevant to the theme of Emerging Distance
Education Systems and Theories, particularly lifelong and self-determined learning. The
purpose of this research study is to gain a better understanding of digital learning ecologies,
and the informal learning that occurs within them, for the purpose of capacity development as
it pertains to self-actualization among Canadian entrepreneurial mothers. Specific studies on
each of the topics concerning this research do exist so the step going forward will be to find
their possible connections and, particularly, to identify how to support and foster capacity
development for entrepreneurial mothers, for whom their special characteristics and
constraints limit their possibilities for accessing formal professional development. The
presentation will highlight each of the pillars of the study, the research objectives, the
significance of this study with regards to the theme of Emerging Distance Education Systems
and Theories (particularly lifelong and self-determined learning), and the expected results.
Introduction
The primary objective of the research is to explore how Canadian entrepreneurial mothers
scaffold and develop their digital learning ecologies for capacity development through
informal learning. The questions guiding the research toward the accomplishment of this goal
are:
• What do the experiences of Canadian entrepreneurial mothers tell us about their digital
learning ecologies?
• How do Canadian entrepreneurial mothers use digital learning ecologies for capacity
development?
• What are the factors that benefit or hinder the potential of digital learning ecologies for
capacity development?
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