A Series of Happenstances: How the Pandemic Created Opportunities with Technology

Abstract

The Happenstance Learning Theory (HLT) has primarily been used in career counseling fields, predominantly in helping clients transition through different happenstances in life to find a career path. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that our nation’s teachers also developed the skills that are considered the pillars of HLT, as they made the transition from teaching traditionally one day to remote learning the next. This study explored how 46 special educators adapted their teaching methods to best address the needs of their students despite challenging circumstances. This study also suggests the application of the Happenstance Learning Theory in understanding and explaining how teachers seemingly make changes “in the moment”.

Educational Technology and Mentality After the Pandemic

“…In the last data search, researchers examined the results of Jean Kiekel's theory on learning events during and after the pandemic, specifically in relation to the development of Happenstance learning (where the beginning and results occur simultaneously or on the same day) (Kiekel et al, 2022). While Kiekel focuses on the learning event itself, the researchers also consider the psychological impact on students.…”

Planned Happenstance and Entrepreneurship Development: The Case of Japanese Undergraduate Students

“…Research based on HLT is being conducted, focusing on topics such as life adjustment and career barriers, the transition to remote work in a pandemic disaster, and students' psychological wellbeing and academic adjustment (Kiekel et al 2022;Kim et al 2018;Valickas et al 2019). However, its role in the development of entrepreneurial intention has not been highlighted in most of the literature on entrepreneurship.…”