An overview of independent learning environments provided by self-access media: A lesson from CG industry

This study reviews the current situation of Self-Access Media (SAM) and independent learning by looking at Self-Access Learning Materials (SALM) available for Computer Graphics (CG) artists. Since past two decades huge progress in software, hardware, Graphical User Interface (GUI) and World Wide Web (WWW) has enabled many individuals to develop an independent learning attitude by using SALM (mostly online) whether free or paid. One group of learners who have successfully developed this behavior, are CG artists. Currently available online SALM for CG artists or those who want to become one are more than what they really can get in most of universities. Employment in CG industry mostly depends on portfolio rather than a university degree, especially in small businesses. Also, internship programs offered by major CG industries are still limited to possessing a reasonable portfolio and other visible/tangible qualifications to ensure return on investment. Fast and non-stop technological growth in CG industry is the main reason for this situation. Fresh graduates who cannot find a way to industry, have multiple choices of going back to school for higher education, start their own business, start a new degree in different field, get irrelevant jobs, or somehow improve their CG skills and get into the industry. If making the last choice, available online SALM are almost the best option to re-educate themselves. The question is; what was the point of going to university at the first place? Currently, many universities have applied major changes to their CG courses to enrich their students with more updated materials. Therefore, CG graduates from these universities have less difficulty getting familiar with real industry. But still many universities with obsolete teaching methods and subjects are promising/advertising unrealistic goals. This situation is more tangible in developing countries. This study provides an overview of SALM's evolution with more focus on CG. The time period selected for this review starts from mid-1990s when personal computers and internet gradually became popular. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of Independent Learning Environments (ILE) and to define role of academic and non-academic institutions in this field. The paper, then, concludes and discusses the current state of SAM, SALM, and ILE, including the recommendations.