Post on 06-Mar-2018
Running head: INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION 1
Introducing The Adult Learner and Online Education
Melanie N. Joseph
Post University
Digitally-Mediated Teaching & Learning
EDU520
Michele Herrera
August 16, 2014
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION2
Introduction to Learning Activity
The concept of education has always included a building with classrooms, students,
desks and a teacher. However, you might be someone who’s drawn to the notion of taking an
online course. No matter what your perceptions are, the common denomination is learning;
whether it’s in a classroom or online. “There are plenty of myths about online learning, most of
them perpetrated by people who have no experience with online learning or knowledge of the
issues surrounding it” (Novak, 2012). This activity will focus on the adult learner and online
education. The online educational atmosphere is increasingly used by adults and should be
designed based on the needs of adult learners. In addition, the characteristics of adult learners
are examined, such as why adults choose online education over a traditional education, adults
using technology, blackboard use, writing formats, and analyses how these characteristics
influence the online learning environment. One key factor in your success as an online student
is to know and understanding how to use the learning management system known as
Blackboard. For students to feel comfortable, this learning activity will give you a better
understanding on how you can use the computer to watch videos in order to navigate the
blackboard correctly. You can watch the orientation for information on how to log into
Blackboard, navigate through the system, submit assignments, participate in discussion boards,
create blog and journal entries, complete an assessment (also known as an exam, quiz or test),
and check your grades. The expectations for the learning activity to help the adult learner
completely understand the blackboard and how to navigate its components.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION3
Theoretical Framework
Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles) Theory
Knowles’ theory of andragogy is an attempt to develop a theory mainly for adult
education. Knowles stresses that adults are self-directed and must take responsibility for
decisions. Adult learning curriculums must contain the fundamental aspects of learning.
Andragogy states the following assumptions about adult design of learning: (1) Adults learners
need to know why they need to learn something before taking it, (2) Adults need to learn
experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults learn best
when the topic is of immediate value. In realistic terms, andragogy means that the teaching for
adults needs to concentrate more on the method and less on the content being taught.
“Strategies such as case studies, role playing, simulations, and self-evaluation are most useful.
Instructors adopt a role of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer or grader” (Knowles,
1984). Traditional learners tend to take courses without questioning why the course is
important to their education. However, adult learners are motivated by their sense of self-
esteem.
Technology
The nature of human growth and development proposes that learning is continuous, and
the ways in which educators encourage learning need to grow and change along with the needs
of learners. When one commits to the education profession, one has decided to constantly
subject one’s self to change. Educators need to be aware of these changes taking place and
develop programs that will meet the needs of those who are teaching and the students as well.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION4
Education has been affected by the growth and development in technology. This is a positive
thing, because as technology improves education needs to be on the same level. The growth of
technology has impacted society from smartphones to Ipad and the movement is continually
growing. According to Hiltz and Turoff (2005), “Online learning is the latest in a long list of
social technologies that have been introduced to improve distance learning by adding various
augmentations, substitutions, or blending of new pedagogical approaches...” (p. 59).
Technology helps to break down geographical barriers, technology helps student to gain an
education everywhere at any given time. Once most courses are available in digital formats as
well as on campuses, geographic monopolies and barriers that have sustained thousands of
different colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world will weaken” (Hiltz and
Turoff, 2005, p. 62).
The use of digital technologies for learning supports the education of adult learners.
Technology helps develop new ways of learning for students and ensure that students have the
tools to achieve. Adult learners must be familiar with the foundation of using a laptop or
desktop computer. Since most of the online learning will take place virtually, this basic
essential is necessary in order to have productive learning. Knowing how to use search engines
can help the adult learners to get their research done on any topic. Search engines are web-
based tools that enable users to locate information on the World Wide Web. Many popular
search engines include Google, Yahoo, MSN and Bing. The search engine generates
information and takes you to links to get the information needed. Blackboard is a tool that
allows faculty to add resources for students to access online. Microsoft PowerPoint, Captivate,
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION5
video, audio, animation, and other applications are created for students to enhance teaching and
learning efforts. Another important tool that the adult learners need to know is the foundation
of Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word is a programmed usually used for creating documents that
involve a lot of writing. It gives various options to create any type of written document and can
be found in Microsoft Office. Whether you’re just beginning your first course, learning how to
use the blackboard and understanding the process is necessary. Getting familiar with this
process is important to have a successful outcome.
Connecting Theory to Activity
Andragogy is a concept popularized by Malcolm Knowles in his 1970 book, The
Modern Practice of Adult Education. Knowles’ theory of andragogy was an effort to start a
theory to distinguish learning in childhood from learning in adulthood. However, this tern was
not new. “European adult educators had been using it consistently to refer to both the practical
aspects of adult teaching and learning and to the academic study of adult education.” (Keesee,
Gayla, 2012). This simply means that adults taking classes online wants to learn, where as
children are force to learn. Adults taking courses online have a self –concept of working
independently to achieve a common goal. Adult’s taking classes online want the experience to
be simple, easy and they come ready to learn, they are interesting in learning objectives that are
related to their jobs and personal lives. As people mature, their time perspective changes from
gathering knowledge for future use to immediate application of knowledge. As such, adult
learners become more problem-centered rather than subject-centered (Knowles, 1980).
Motivation to learn plays an essential role, adults and online education knows the internal and
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION6
external incentives and the desire to achieve an education. Adults are capable of managing and
planning their own online learning by motivated to finishing a class or degree.
Learning Activity
With the rise of online learning, the development of an online orientation program for
new student is important. This program will increase student awareness and help the adult
learner how to use the proper terms when completing classes online. The orientation will
prepare students for academic advising, teach students how to register for class that is
appropriate towards there degree level. And finally familiarize students with the online
learning environment. This will help with the transition from a traditional learning environment
to a digital format. The activity will help the adult learners to determine if they are prepared to
take online classes. Many times online colleges or universities have student take an online
orientation. These orientations are sets of instructions of what the learner should expect online.
This can be small tutorials or videos showing the students how to navigate the school site. With
the online orientation, student will get a feel on how to post to the schools blackboard. The
online orientation will allow the student to navigate the site, post question and how to property
research information for a paper.
Blackboard is a Web-based course management system designed to permit students to
participate in classes delivered online. The blackboard contain teaching materials such as e-
books, course material, discussion boards, online quizzes, exams and grade center. At some
schools the blackboard also allows student to register, check account information, and have an
extensive library. Student will be given an Id and password with the schools blackboard link in
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION7
order for them to get access. This activity is intense because since 90% of the course is dealing
with posting activities to the blackboard, students must learn how to post discussions correctly.
Student must be able to login into the blackboard to get access to the course they are taking; by
login in and clicking on the course title. Student will now be able to see a detail listing from
week 1, as to what assignments and discussion needed to be completed. The Blackboard
student tutorial will provide students with "how-to" instructions for the tools most commonly
used tools by the student.
Steps into Login in the Blackboard
The first step in using Blackboard is to learn how to log into the system. Usually the institution
will provide you with the URL, username, and password.
The URL will be found in the student orientation video. Or students can go direly to the
university site.
Navigate to the URL provided by your institution.
1. Type your Username.
2. Type your Password. Passwords are case sensitive.
3. Click Login.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION8
o Since you are a new user, creating a profile of yourself is important. After
creating your profile, please accept the terms and condition of the blackboard
from the pop-up window. If the student does not agree with the blackboard
terms and conditions they will not gain access to the course.
o The next screen will show you “My blackboard” Screen. This will allow you to
gain access to your courses and all the information needed to complete the
course.
o Students will now be able to navigate the site, the first menu on the left is
announcement. This is communications between the teachers and student
and necessary information the college will release to student.
o Course Menu appears on the left side of the Course. Students current course
will be available on the tools menu by clicking course information.
Discussion Board
The Discussion Board page displays a list of available discussion forums. A forum is an
area where users discuss a topic or a group of related topics. Students can reply to discussion
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION9
posting issue by the teacher.
o Within each forum, users can create numerous threads. A thread contains the
initial post and any replies to it. The instructor usually starts the thread and
replies are by the students. Students are usually graded on a rubric set by the
instructor.
The second activity is developing time-management strategies for the adult learner.
One challenge facing the adult learner is time management, this required being self-disciplined
and to set aside regularly scheduled time to get course work finished. Since the first initial
discussion is due on Thursday before midnight, it is essential for students set aside at lease one
hour during the day to catch up on any reading for that week. Time must be set-aside in order
for the adult learner to become successful, ensuring that all project are sent in on time is also
important. One potential problem for adult learners online is procrastination and falling behind
in the course. However, many adult learners choose this path because it gives them the
independence and the ability to participate online at their convenience. The last activity is
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION10
ensuring the adult learner understands the uses of technology. These activities are important to
the learner because it will better equip them to be successful in online courses. These activities
will help the adult learner to be well prepared and know what the set of requirements are at the
school. Here are some time management tips for the adult learner
o Write down due dates of assignment and keep up with them. Use cellphone or email
reminders of when assignment is due.
o Find out what is expected from the class including what the professor is expect from
you
o Create discussion assignment due dates
o Ask for help from professor and also your classmates when you can’t comprehend
information
o Prioritize your schoolwork and ensure that your work life, home life and social life does
not interfered.
o Do no procrastinate or put off assignment
o Set aside reading time
o Hand in project in a timely fashion.
Who
Adults looking to obtain degree online or taking online classes for the first time and able to
navigate the schools website.
What
Adults learning to navigate the computer properly to access online courses.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION11
Where
Online education can be accessible anywhere there is Wi-Fi and a working computer.
How
Orientation is the first necessary step for the adult student to get familiarize when taking online
classes.
Why
Without the necessary tools and training it will make it hard for adults to navigate the site.
Many distance-learning programs are being developed annually, because of the
increasing number of adult learners taking advantage of the resources education offers.
Adult learners are different from traditional college students, because adult learners have
responsibilities of a job and family. Adults in an online educational program have to manage
their work, family and classes to be successful. Additionally, most adult learners are highly
motivated and task-oriented (Merriam & Caffarella, 1999). Many graduate students are less
knowledgeable with online learning and technologies, and more likely to be self-motivated,
utilizing critical thinking skills.
Learning Outcomes
Online education, defined as a platform for delivering educational content and
facilitating instructor-student interaction over a computer network (Shelton & Saltsman, 2005,
pp. 3–4), came of age in the 1990s and grew rapidly over the next decade (Allen & Seaman,
2010). Technology makes it possible for online education to become so popular. Online
assessment is important because it shows what students learn during the course.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION12
According to Higher Education students who took online courses performed better than the
average student taking face-to-face instruction. Students are more likely to withdraw form
onlince courses because they do not understand the structure of online format. It is essential
that student take the orientation training to become more familiarize in using the website and
blackboard.
Motivating online Students
Students feel very much empowered when they know they have full control over there
learning. Students are given choices to pick what subject area they would like to study and
choose classes accordingly. Students pick courses that are relevant to their everyday life and
will promote a successful work environment. One way that online student can stay motivated is
staying connected with 2their classmates. Exchanging telephone phone numbers and emails
addresses are great ways to communicate, this can be helpful when the student don’t
understand a particular assignment. Joining online support groups are also a great way for
student to stay connected with others that have the same interest as they do. Lastly, Rewarding
yourself when finishing projects and assignments are also great motivational tool.
Formal and Informal
Formal learning is always organized and structured, and has learning objectives. From
the learner’s perspective, formal learning is always intentional. It is the learner’s objective to
gain knowledge and skills. Usually the employer arranges this type of learning that takes place
within education and or workplace training. Informal learning is never organized; it has no
predetermined objective in learning. Informal learning includes all activates that fall outside
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION13
the definition of a formal education. Informal learning works because it’s a natural type of
learning, and cannot be forced.
Assessment
Assessing student learning in an online environment can present some challenges;
however, with planning and suitable assessment methods, online learning can be beneficial.
Rubrics can be used to provide formative feedback to students, to grade students, or to assess
courses or programs.
The learning assessment will take place after student watch the online orientation video.
Students will be asked to go into the blackboard and create new discussion board thread using
the following criteria.
1. Login into blackboard
2. Create a New discussion board thread
3. Subject title of Thread “Returning back to school?”
4. Within the thread answer the following questions in an essay form using proper
grammar, spelling and format. You will be graded on the content of your writing, so it’s
important to write clearly and produce your best work.
5. What are my fears about returning back to school? Why did you choose online instead
of Traditional schooling? Then submit- essay should be no less than 350 words.
After you have submit your thread, you may now Reply to your own Thread answering the
following question “What motivate you in finishing your degree?” in no less than 250 words.
Timely feedback is particularly important in an online environment where students can become
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION14
confused quickly or feel alienated. The professor will now grade the student on how well the
content was written. Determining if the student needs to take a writing course. At this point the
instructor will send the feedback by replying to the student discussion. The instructor will note
all the grammatical errors and writing content in his feedback to the student. The student can
now have an active discussion on the board with the instructor as to why they received a poor
grade. If students writing content is up to the university standards. The next step for that
student is registering for their online courses. If the students preforms poorly during the
discussion, they will be asked take a college level writing course in addition to there register
courses. Below is the Rubric on how the instructor will assess the student.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION15
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION16
Conclusion
When signing up for online learning, students are excited and motivated to learn.
However, as the weeks progress that motivation can diminish. It is imperative that adult
learners keep in mind the reason for pursing online education. They must realize what they are
doing is to improve their lives and gain the necessary skills to learn. Successful online students
must be self-disciplined and goal-oriented as they work to complete assignments. Assignments
can be sent in either blackboard posts, or in email format. It is necessary to keep up with online
classes because they move along quickly and at times don’t allow for any makeup.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION17
References:
Atherton, J. S. (2004). Teaching and learning: Knowles' andragogy: An angle on adult
learning. Retrieved from: http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/knowlesa.htm
Bates, C., & Watson, M. (2008). Re-learning teaching techniques to be effective in
hybrid and online courses. Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge,
13(1), 38-44.
Knowles, M. (1984). The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species (3rd Ed.). Houston: Gulf
Publishing
Merriam, S.B., & Caffarella, R.S. (1999). Learning in adulthood (2nd ed.). San Francisco:
Jossey-Bass.
Novak, Richard. (2012). Online learning: A smart choice for adult learners. Retrieved from:
http://cenewscenter.rutgers.edu/tags/richard-novak
Shelton, K., & Saltsman, G. (2005). An administrator’s guide to online education.
Charlotte, NC: IAP-Information Age.
Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2010, November). Class differences: Online education in the United
States, 2010. Wellesley, MA: Babson Survey Research Group and The Sloan
Consortium. Retrieved from http://sloanconsortium.org/publications/
survey/class_differences
Hiltz, S. R., & Turoff, M. (2005). Education goes digital: the evolution of online learning and
the revolution in higher education. Communications of the ACM, 48(10), 59-64.
INTRODUCING THE ADULT LEARNER AND ONLINE EDUCATION18
Keese, Gayle. (2012). Andragogy adult learning theory. Retrieved from:
http://teachinglearningresources.pbworks.com/w/page/30310516/Andragogy--
Adult%20Learning%20Theory