Online learning that delivers adult education programs are a viable option for most adult learners. Online technologies increase flexibility and access for learners who hold full time jobs or have extenuating circumstances which keep them from physically attending college courses. As online courses continue to develop using new technologies, adults have additional opportunities for completing continuing education to advance within their career field.
Online learning is defined as learning that takes place partially or entirely over the Internet. This definition does not include print-based correspondence education, broadcast television or radio, videoconferencing, videocassettes, and stand-alone educational software programs that do not have a significant Internet-based instructional component. This type of learning is additionally defined as:
- Learning conducted online as a substitute or alternative to face-to-face teaching and learning.
- A blended model of learning that combines online courses and occasional face-to-face instruction to provide learning enhancement.
Adult Education: Programs that Support Students
Online learning education programs that support adult learners are developed and implemented by a variety of organizations: universities, community colleges, community based organizations, and private institutions. Regardless of which organization provides the education program, several important traits are characteristic of successful programs which students must consider.
Provide Adequate Support – online schools provide an easily accessible support system so students can obtain all the help they need with access, technical issues, and other questions as they arise throughout their learning experience. This support is best when provided both online and in person, but minimally support should be accessible by phone.
Provide Flexible Schedule Options – adult learners must balance their education with many other demands on their time such as work and family. Online schools which support students develop programs and courses that are flexible in manner so that online education works within student life needs.
Blended Learning Model – adult participants in blended online learning programs report that coupling their online coursework with in-person meetings helps to keep them motivated, on task, and part of a community of learners. This blended face-to-face component of a program also helps students maintain contact with instructors, as a result are aware and find solutions to problems ("Evaluation of Evidence Based Practices in Online Learning," U.S. Department of Education, May 2009).
Awareness of Learning Styles – online education students learn in different manners and learning styles. Some find that they learn better with hard copy manuals and study guides. While others find that they learn better using online resources. Successful online schools help reinforce concepts and provide further assistance to students during the learning process.
Provide Comprehensive Monitoring – students find this monitoring helpful in keeping track of their learning progress. This also informs students of problems and obstacles as they arise, before they become road blocks to success. This monitoring includes time logged online in course management software, courses completed, and continually updated scores.
Provide Flexible Online Technology – these online schools offer online learners greater flexibility in accessing their learning. With laptops students can travel to work, homes of friends and family members, and throughout their own homes with the computer. Speed of Internet connection is also important in an online learning program. Providing access to high-speed Internet connections helps to improve the online experience, and decrease student frustrations ("Findings from the Field: Early Findings from the New Jersey Online Learning Project, Center for Women and Work," 2003).
Distance Education: Advantages of Learning Online
Along with the support structure provided by successful online schools, there are many advantages of learning online. Online education is more adaptable to varying work schedules and family events, along with the following:
- Learners are not hindered by slower class members, because they study alone.
- A degree can be earned quicker than enrolling in traditional education settings of attending classroom classes.
- Learners are in charge of their own course and homework completion.
- Learners can never be tardy or absent, because they complete work at their convenience.
- An online degree earned from a reputable institution is the same as attending classroom courses at the same institution.
- Advances in technology-based interactive and virtual worlds make it easier to complete course requirements in engineering and science programs.
Making Connections with Online Courses
Online learning has its roots in the tradition of distance education, offering the potential to reach adult learners around the world. Access has increased greatly because of online technology and today’s online courses offer rich educational resources to support real-time communication between instructors and learners. Colleges discovered that more adults desire the flexibility on lone education and are moving rapidly to support the need of their current or potential students.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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