Online Postsecondary Adult Learners: An Analysis of Adult Learner Characteristics and Online Course Taking Preferences

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Alexander C. Gardner ◽  
Heather N. Maietta ◽  
Philip D. Gardner ◽  
Niki Perkins
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Learner Characteristics

The Online Adult Learner

2009 ◽  
pp. 737-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Parker
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Student Reflections

While the online adult learners are growing in numbers, the diversity in what motivates them and what they expect from an online course has grown as well. This chapter explores the current literature as well as qualitative and quantitative data from course surveys and student reflections in online courses taught by the author in an attempt to profile these learners, determine why they are taking online courses and investigate their evolving attitudes toward technology. It includes summaries and student quotes to portray the individual thoughts of online adult learners.

The Online Adult Learner

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Parker
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Student Reflections

While the online adult learners are growing in numbers, the diversity in what motivates them and what they expect from an online course has grown as well. This chapter explores the current literature as well as qualitative and quantitative data from course surveys and student reflections in online courses taught by the author in an attempt to profile these learners, determine why they are taking online courses and investigate their evolving attitudes toward technology. It includes summaries and student quotes to portray the individual thoughts of online adult learners.

Postsecondary Adult Learner Motivation: An Analysis of Credentialing Patterns and Decision Making Within Higher Education Programs

2021 ◽  
pp. 104515952098836
Author(s):  
Alexander C. Gardner ◽  
Heather N. Maietta ◽  
Philip D. Gardner ◽  
Niki Perkins
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
Academic Program ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Post Secondary

This study sought to fill a gap in the literature by considering the role of motivation in post-secondary aspirations of adult learners, specifically full versus part-time status, previous level of educational attainment, years of work experience, and the selection of an academic program. The data from this study came from adult students ages 25 and older at 8 institutions in the Midwest. Statistical analysis determined there were significant differences in gender motivation, level of education is predictive of type of educational credential being pursued, and type of adult learner motivation influences which degree, academic program, and enrollment status is pursued by adult learners. Furthermore, this research revealed as adults acquire more work experience, their postsecondary educational aspirations are more likely motivated by extrinsic factors. These findings have meaningful implications for linking motivation with continuance and graduation from collegiate programs for which this paper identifies and discusses in the context of postsecondary education.

Introduction to Online Learning and the Adult Learner

2018 ◽  
pp. 172-182
Author(s):  
Rosana Stan ◽  
Éva Kállay
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Digital Natives ◽  
Digital Immigrants ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Web technologies are changing old patterns of learning. Online learning is simultaneously a tool and a challenge in improving our learning process because working online is a fundamental competence for today's society. Rethinking needs and course design for online learning to be applied to all subjects at all levels (digital natives and digital immigrants as well) is, maybe, the biggest challenge in education. It is necessary to give teachers adequate training to teach using technologies in a way that supports specific pedagogical mode. Online learning for adult learners has both advantages and disadvantages. Research into online learning is an emerging field and all of this information has practical implication for design and tutoring online activities in the case of adult learners.

Developing and Managing Digital/Technology Literacy and Effective Learning Skills in Adult Learners

2013 ◽  
pp. 394-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Hsu ◽  
Zhongxian Wang ◽  
Karin Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Technology Literacy ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Computing Skills ◽  
Improved Learning

The needs of adult learners are different from those of traditional undergraduate students, and programs must be designed to meet this need. In particular, digital and technology literacy needs, including general computing skills, computerized communications, online and distance learning, and Web 2.0 tools make navigating coursework an additional challenge. In this paper, the authors examine the technology and digital literacy needs and backgrounds of adult learner students and discuss research on the interaction between technology and adult learner education. Using the features of intensive weekend classroom sessions, on-line distance learning, and specialized teaching methods, an improved learning environment tailored to unique needs and career goals can be offered to business undergraduate adults. An important component is the development of technology and digital literacy skills to “fill the gaps” of students who may have extensive business or working experience, but are less than proficient in the use of technology. More depth and analysis is given to the following areas: digital and technology skills and knowledge improvement, pedagogical features, the use of intensive weekend and evening sessions, and the role of distance learning to supplement the classroom sessions.

Adult Learners

2019 ◽  
pp. 114-132
Author(s):  
David Deggs
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Real World ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Student Activism ◽  
Upper Class ◽  
Traditional Student ◽  
Societal Issues ◽  
American Higher Education ◽  
The 1960S

Student activism is mostly thought of as an activity that engages and motivates the traditional-aged students in American higher education to action. The emergence of student activism in the 1960s occurred when enrollment in American higher education was still primarily limited to youth from middle- and upper-class families. The demographics of American higher education have shifted, and the adult learner or non-traditional student now represents a significant amount, if not the majority, of most campus populations. The adult learner brings unique perspective to the higher education classroom based upon their real-world experiences that directly impacts their values, beliefs, and ideas about societal issues. Adult learners in American higher education have the potential to change the ways, means, and longstanding outcomes related to activism in American higher education.

Issues of Health-Related Physical Fitness of the Adult Learner

2021 ◽  
pp. 1515-1536
Author(s):  
Donatus Udochukwu Chukwudo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Health Related

This chapter discussed the importance of physical fitness concerning adult learners' readiness to participate meaningfully in academia. Despite the importance of health-related physical fitness, not many adults seem to have given the issue (physical fitness) the needed attention. The chapter focused on the issues associated with a reduced level of physical activity participation, and the changing modes of transportation, and how the issues could interfere with learning if not addressed — suggestions on how to improve physical fitness while learning constitutes parts of the discussion.

Introduction to Online Learning and the Adult Learner

2021 ◽  
pp. 76-87
Author(s):  
Rosana Stan ◽  
Éva Kállay
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Digital Natives ◽  
Digital Immigrants ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Web technologies are changing old patterns of learning. Online learning is simultaneously a tool and a challenge in improving our learning process because working online is a fundamental competence for today's society. Rethinking needs and course design for online learning to be applied to all subjects at all levels (digital natives and digital immigrants as well) is, maybe, the biggest challenge in education. It is necessary to give teachers adequate training to teach using technologies in a way that supports specific pedagogical mode. Online learning for adult learners has both advantages and disadvantages. Research into online learning is an emerging field and all of this information has practical implication for design and tutoring online activities in the case of adult learners.

Introducing the Black Male Adult Learner Success Theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 074171362095960
Author(s):  
Ramon B. Goings
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Black Male ◽  
Adult Learner ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Male Adult ◽  
Scholar Identity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Learner Success

Given the preponderance of deficit-oriented discourse about Black men and adult learners in higher education, there have not been theoretical frameworks put forth to explain the success of Black male adult learners in higher education. Thus, this article describes the Black male adult learner success theory, which builds on Gilman Whiting’s scholar identity model and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological system theory and was developed as a lens to examine the unique experiences of Black male adult learners in higher education and the impact of their various environments on their academic success. In response to the call for action from adult education scholars, this article introduces an asset-based theoretical approach for researchers to use when studying Black male adult learners. The article provides implications for using the Black male adult learner success theory for policy and practitioners. The article ends with providing future recommendations for research based on the theory.

Facilitation of Web-Based Courses Designed for Adult Learners

2011 ◽  
pp. 918-921
Author(s):  
Bonnie McCall Ordonez
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Online Course ◽  
University Faculty ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
College And University

Web-based courses have currently surpassed all other forms of distance education in the higher education field. One of the main reasons in growth is the demand from adult and professional students looking for a convenient yet quality education (Kearsley, 2000). College and university faculty members are a key component in the development and delivery of online courses. Many studies have been conducted on effective course design, and student achievement and outcomes (Kearsley, 2000, p. 46), but less research is available on the instructional techniques necessary to facilitate an online course.

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