Clearly, our institutions need to champion self-directed learning skill development and integrate comprehensive SDL supports into our teaching and learning efforts. That starts with building an awareness of this research and the implications for investments in supports for faculty, students and staff among our leadership and administrative teams. My organization, Achieving the Dream (ATD), has worked with our network colleges on different aspects of online learning and better integrating technology into more student-centered teaching and learning. Efforts, such as our work around open educational resources and adopting adaptive courseware in introductory courses through the Every Learner Everywhere initiative, offer important lessons to consider as we think about building SDL skills and knowledge into our courses and professional learning.
