Preview

Online Learning and the Adult Learner

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
969 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Online Learning and the Adult Learner
Online Learning and the Adult Learner
Christian E. Onuoha
College 100
American Public University
Jennifer Staley

Online Learning and the Adult Learner
Knowledge is power, therefore it is always a good thing for adults to be involved in continued education. The level does not really matter, be it in pursuant of certificate, bachelor or doctorate degree, but the ability to be involved in the process and going through the rigors of such endeavor, irrespective of age, family or profession. The joy of continuous education for an adult learner, is the legacy they leave behind for their grandchildren. It demonstrates that, there is no age limit to acquiring more knowledge, especially now that technology, and the resources to do so is readily available.
An adult learner is that individual between the ages of 25 and above, usually married with family responsibilities, May be gainfully employed or not. The motivators are, higher salary, career or professional improvement, personal development and above all, the availability of resources, including; government grants and scholarship, availability or access to information technology and time for studies. The choice of degree is another motivational force, the adult visualizes themselves in their minds eye, being in the profession chosen, and actually attaining or meeting that objective.

Information technology continues to play a major role in the development of various forms of lecture delivery to online student. Internet is widely used by all students to access curses online, be it hybrid, or combination of face to face lectures and online access. The widespread adoption of advanced technological measures have led to a new emphasis on online education and training, both in the academic and business world, providing unique alternatives for reaching larger audiences than ever before possible. In the academic world, universities now have the ability to provide distance



References: Bartley, S. J., & Golek, J. H. (2004). Evaluating the cost effectiveness of online and face-to-face instruction. Educational Technology & Society, 7(4), 167-175. Part V: I didn 't think of that! Lots more sources of free money - chapter 19: Staring into the educational crystal ball (2003). . Davis, J. H. S. (2000). Traditional vs. on-line learning: It 's not an either/or proposition. Employment Relations Today, 27(1), 47-60. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/237052517?accountid=8289 Tyler-Smith, K. (2006). Early attrition among first time eLearners: A review of factors that contribute to drop-out, withdrawal and non-completion rates of adult learners undertaking eLearning programs. Journal of Online learning and Teaching, 2(2), 73-85. Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol2no2/tyler-smith.htm Wang, G, Foucar-Szocki, D & Griffen, O., O’Connor, C. and Sceiford, E.(2003) Departure, Abandonment, and Dropout of E-learning: Dilemma and Solutions James Madison University, Retrieved from http://www.masie.com/researchgrants/2003/JMU_Final_Report.pdf

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Bhs420 Mod 1 2013 (Tu()

    • 1215 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Park, J., & Choi, H. J. (2009). Factors influencing adult learners' decision to drop out or persist in online learning. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 207-n/a. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1287038599?accountid=28844…

    • 1215 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Educating adults differs from educating children in many ways. One of the most important differences is that adults already possess an accumulation of knowledge and experiences, which can add to their learning experience. Another difference is that most adult education is voluntary; therefore, the learners are generally self-motivated. Adults frequently apply their existing knowledge in a practical fashion to learn effectively. They usually have a reasonable expectation that the knowledge they gain will help them further their ambitions. During the 1990s, for example many adults, including myself, enrolled voluntarily in computer training courses in order to learn the basics of using the operating system, because interactions with the computer were completely new to those who had been out of formal education for more than ten years. Most upwardly mobile…

    • 434 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    In the Readiness to Learn section the author find that majority of the time when adult learners has enrolled in a course it is to benefit them in finding an answer in improving themselves. Adult learners of the millennial generation had the absences of interest or showed a specific need to know information. Generation X needed little prompting to sway them to learn. However, they need to feel that connection with other classmates and professors. The Baby Boomers also had a lack of readiness, mostly because they didn’t understand the material and it was unfamiliar to them.…

    • 732 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Mgt 500

    • 920 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (2011). The adult learner, the definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. (7th ed.). Oxford, UK: A Butterworth-Heinemann Title.…

    • 920 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Kerka, S. (1995). Adult learner retention revisited. ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Career and Vocational Education. Retrieved from http://bern.library.nenu.edu.cn/upload/soft/0-article/021/21009.pdf…

    • 12295 Words
    • 50 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Whether I’m going to school online are going to school in a traditional setting; the main objective is to obtain a degree. The internet has brought us a new way of obtaining a degree that is convenient for many people in the world today. Many might argue whether online or traditional education is more acceptable in today’s world. With technology growing the way it is many Americans go to work and school in the comfort of their home, while others commute to work and school. Regardless if you are enrolled at a traditional college or with a university online there are some similarities and differences, it mainly depends on the individual and what suits that person needs.…

    • 802 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Best Essays

    References: Allen, I. E. & Seaman, J. (2009). Learning on Demand. Online education in the United States…

    • 1277 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Good Essays

    In an article penned by Mark Taormino, President or Learning Development Partners, Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada, he states that “matching student learning preferences with appropriate learning opportunities is of high importance. Some students might not enjoy a high level of reliance on technology mediated instruction and communication, which could lead to a decision to pursue a more traditional education delivery path.” Indeed, it is very likely that the path of online learning may not actually accomplish true learning for every type of student, and unfortunately not every individual who seeks out an education via distance learning is aware of this possibility before they begin their journey.…

    • 966 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    One of the comforts of online learning is the convenience of the class settings. Students are not required to sit in class for a long period of time and they can log onto their classes at their own pace. Many Adults work full time jobs and they don’t have time to go to a classroom setting at a local college. I always wanted to continue my…

    • 1822 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Adult Learning

    • 1934 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Adult learning is a complex subject that in recent years has become more of a necessity than a personal pursuit. There are three factors present in the American society today that necessitate the need for adult learning. These factors are: Dramatic changes in demographics, the global economy, and technology. (5)…

    • 1934 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Adult Learners

    • 617 Words
    • 3 Pages

    I do agree about having the motivation to obtain the education is needed to complete the degree. Being a working adult will also have to have more motivation than anyone else. Adult learner will be more disciplined than a younger student, because of the maturity of being an adult learner. Adult learner knows what the society expect out of a good employee so being a adult learner has a little of advantage because of the experience of being in the society as a worker and knowing what is to be expected. Younger students do not have the responsibility that an adult learner have, so we as the adult I will have to stay focus on what my goals are and make sure that I will not get off the…

    • 617 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Non Traditional Education

    • 529 Words
    • 3 Pages

    More people are choosing nontraditional education to start and advance in their careers while completing and furthering their formal education. "Typical distance learners are those who don't have access to programs, employees who work during scheduled class hours, homebound individuals, self-motivated individuals who want to take courses for self-knowledge or advancement, or those who are unable or unwilling to attend class" (Charp, 2000, p. 10). Three key elements surround the online learner: technology, curriculum, and instructor (Bedore, Bedore, & Bedore, 1997).…

    • 529 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    When one thinks about education thoughts are naturally turned toward adolescents. In today’s society the media is quick to expose flaws in the educational system. One rarely thinks about the educational needs of adults, but for many adults there is a large need for continuing their education. One might venture to ask the question what is adult learning? According to Malcolm Knowles adult learning is a process of self-directed inquiry (Urological Nursing, 2006). Although there are many adults that are driven to continue their education, the idea can be overwhelming for most. It is best for the adult learner to prepare for the journey by knowing the process of adult learning, identifying the types of learning styles, and identifying one’s personal learning style. Assessing the level of the above traits and the readiness to learn will equip the adult learner with an arsenal of tools.…

    • 1695 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Kearsley, G., Lynch, W. and Wizer, D. (1999) "The Effectiveness and Impact of Online Learning in Graduate Education ' ', Educational Technology, November-December 1999, pp. 37-42.…

    • 3107 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    References: Allen, I. E. and Seaman, J. (2003), Sizing the opportunity. The Quality and Extent of Online Education in the United States, 2002 and 2003, The Sloan Consortium.…

    • 9328 Words
    • 38 Pages
    Powerful Essays