Online experiential learning: bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real‐world competence

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how online experiential learning can help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real‐world competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a joint opinion piece by Anne Llewellyn, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences, Leeds Metropolitan University and Sarah Frame, EMEA Business Development Director, Toolwire. In the aftermath of several high‐profile failures in child protection in the UK, educators at Leeds Metropolitan University tasked with finding solutions have turned to immersive Digital Media Simulations. The impetus for introducing an experiential learning solution – covering the highly complex and sensitive topic of safeguarding vulnerable children – comes both from a desire to provide the most engaging and effective learning experience to students and a need to deliver competent social work professionals in line with the most recent guidelines.

Findings

The paper reveals that an increasing number of organizations are recognizing that online experiential learning sits at the intersection of several strategic learning needs of today's organizations and are prepared to make the investment in moving from traditional e‐learning to using Digital Media Simulations to help staff build these essential skills.

Practical implications

Experiential learning provides alternative and relevant ways of improving complex skills.

Social implications

The paper aims to improve professional social work practice in child safeguarding and child welfare to improve the lives of vulnerable children.

Originality/value

This joint paper by Leeds Metropolitan demonstrates the value of experiential learning.

Citation

Llewellyn, A. and Frame, S. (2013), "Online experiential learning: bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real‐world competence", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 16-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281311291231