Does distance education go the distance for adult learners? Evidence from a qualitative study at an American community college

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance Iloh
Keyword(s):  
Community College ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Qualitative Study

scholarly journals “Fasten your seat belts”: Investigating learners’ perceptions regarding the implementation of tasks in an English online course

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Juliane Regina Trevisol ◽  
Leonardo Da Silva ◽  
Raquel Carolina Ferraz D'Ely
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Task Engagement ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Seat Belts ◽  
University Staff ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Cultural Aspects

Considering the growth of distance education, this qualitative study investigated learners’ perceptions of the implementation of traveling-themed tasks (ELLIS, 2003) in a virtual course of English as a foreign language.  The course was offered to university staff members for a semester. Four participants took part in it. Instruments were a consent form, two questionnaires, and a Skype interview. Results suggest learners perceived the course as motivating, noticing their task engagement from the perspective of “l’education integrale” (LONG, 2015) and “learning by doing”. Furthermore, learning was related to cultural aspects noticed, interesting sites, and the connection with previous traveling experiences.

The Cost of Convenience

2014 ◽  
pp. 308-332
Author(s):  
Jessica Miles
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Education Courses

Adult education tools have transformed over the years to become very Internet-based. Distance education courses represent one of the fastest-growing sectors within higher education and as an elected form of education for adult learners. Nontraditional students play an important role in the continued growth of this educational modality and are using distance education courses to further their knowledge, skills, and careers. Additionally, this tool is enabling adults who might otherwise be unable to participate in learning opportunities because they are place-bound to have access to a wealth of information and courses available through distance education courses. In regards to adult health, research has identified potential impacts on academic success including sleep quality and external responsibilities, such as work and caretaking. Nontraditional, adult students are increasingly pressured with greater external responsibilities that in turn may affect their sleep quality, creating a sort of chain reaction of potential academic obstacles. Raising awareness of these health issues and impacts is important in setting up adult learners, especially those taking distance education courses, with the greatest opportunities for academic success. This chapter explores distance education.

Convergence of Adult Learners, STEM Programs, and Promise Programs in Community Colleges

2021 ◽  
pp. 59-73
Author(s):  
Deirdre Conway ◽  
David Deggs ◽  
Kelyn Rola
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Community College ◽  
Community Colleges ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
American Higher Education ◽  
Stem Programs ◽  
College Leaders ◽  
Recommendations For Practice

American higher education is currently experiencing a convergence of three trends: a rise in adult learners as the largest population of students on college campuses, an increased focus on academic STEM degree programs and credentials, and the proliferation of promise programs that provide financial assistance to students. Community colleges as open access institutions are at the nexus of where these three trends converge and thrive. This chapter provides an overview of these three trends with recommendations for practice to guide community college leaders and faculty who are charged with management of these three trends during this unique time in higher education.

Transforming Chemistry Curricula and Courses to Support Adult Learners

2020 ◽  
pp. 419-445
Author(s):  
Lisa J. Nogaj
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Learning ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Chemical Education Research ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Adult Learning Theories

This chapter presents a compilation of best practices for preparing chemistry curricula and courses that consider the cognitive needs of adult learners. Chemistry instructors at the post-secondary level may receive little guidance on how to meet the needs of adult learners, members of a diverse undergraduate STEM student population. The author illustrates how adult learning theories and chemical education research can be applied to support reentry learners. Some aspects of distance education for adult learners in the sciences are examined, especially the unique challenge of offering laboratory coursework in this setting. The author makes recommendations for supporting faculty who engage in course revision with adult chemistry learners in mind. This chapter is relevant for university-level chemistry faculty, administrators and instructional designers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document