E-learning has become a very popular method for professional development and academic advancement. On this blog we will explore adult learning preferences and characteristics and what effects these preferences and characteristics have on adult learners taking online classes. What are the needs of adult learners and how can educators and course designers tailor online courses to meet these needs? How can educators make online courses user friendly for participants whether they are beginners or have advanced technology skills? How important is interaction for adult learners and can e-learning provide the interactive atmosphere that adult learners need? In order to create an effective online course for adult learners, we must understand the needs of adult learners.
This blog is a place where you can relax, ponder, and share your thoughts on adults and e-learning. Thanks for joining me in an exploration of this topic.
11 comments:
I didn't think I would like online learning, but in summer 2007 I took a graduate English course & the professor had us do a threaded discussion for a couple of weeks, & I really enjoyed it. Different students were responsible for keeping the online discussion going each day & it was intriguing to see where it would go.
I highly recommend the online education to those who work full time or have families due to the flexibility of the programs. I am currently working on my Masters Degree through Capella University online. I find the online learning experience equivalent to a traditional classroom-learning environment without the hassle of having to sit in a classroom or deal with disruptive young adults. I like the fact that I receive a syllabus with deadlines at the beginning of each class and the ability to work at my own pace as long as deadlines are met.
The technologies used by the two online universities I have attended are top of the line and user friendly (most online universities require a tutorial class on use of the online system). The online resources such as the library, databases, APA manual, writing tools and plagiarism check are added bonuses that help with accuracy and honesty.
I wasn't sure about online learning until I enrolled in an online Master's program at the University of Alabama. In fact, this blog is one of my assignments. I really like the flexibility and the ability to work at my own pace. Of course, I'm having to learn how to be more organized and how to manage my time more effectively. On this blog, I will be posting information that I am gathering as I read literature related to adults and e-learning. Comments on the information posted are appreciated.
I thought I was crazy when I first started with the IIT course, but I'm so glad I've stayed with it. I am totally sold with the idea of not having to drive for thirty minutes to an hour to get to class.
No driving. No parking. No fighting with my boss to get some time off or change my schedule. As for class interaction, there are some courses that really need it. But others are actually enhanced for me if I don't have to be social or listen to other people's problems. For example, statistics. I can fly through it on my own, but I overthink things when I hear the confusion of other students. As long as the instructor is responsive and helps when I need it, taking the class alone is less distracting.
I couldn't advance my education without Bama's Masters Program. I've been in the Infantry nearly all of my adulthood. I guess I've gone through the "school of hard knocks" but you don't get a degree for that. I've been all over Europe, to parts of South America, to the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. I've been to many Service Schools but I've never had the time or the money to get my Masters. Because of this course I'm finally getting some credit for what I do know and learning when most people are shutting down for retirement. Bottom Line: I'm Thrilled!!!
I have been taking online classes for 3 years. I didn't think I would be able to handle the "on your own" aspect of it, but once I got started I realized I can easily stay on track with simple organizational skills. I do still need some in person interaction with the professor with some of my classes that are higher level, but I would always recommend online classes to anyone with a busy work and life schedule.
Most of the research that I've read reflects some of the same comments several of you have made. Flexibility and working on your own schedule are at the top of the list for reasons to take online courses.
As a classroom teacher (28 years teaching high school, the past 3 as a college adjunct), I wouldn't want to see online leatrning replace the traditional classroom entirely. But it definitely has its place for graduate studies and to suit the schedules of non-traditional students. I guess this is what the future holds - more people working from home & more people learning from home!
I don't want to see it totally replace the traditional classroom and don't think it will. I agree with you that online learning has its place in graduate studies and for non-traditional learners. I can see where it would be very good option for continuing professional development. I still think that students beginning college need to have the traditional classroom experience - maybe with an occasional online class experience after the 1st year.
I'm looking forward to your postings!
I am also a student with many on-line experiences; the usage has enabled me to utilize technologies, and not be apprehensive to investigate emerging technologies.
Post a Comment