scholarly journals Student Attitudes Toward Blended Learning in Adult Literacy and Basic Skills College Programs | Attitudes des étudiants envers l’apprentissage mixte dans les programmes collégiaux de formation de base et alphabétisation pour adultes

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Li ◽  
Robin Kay ◽  
Louise Markovich
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Basic Skills ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Post Secondary

Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs in many Ontario colleges offer adult learners who have low literacy and basic skills with opportunities to improve their employment skills as well as results on prerequisite courses for entrance into post-secondary education. LBS students encounter many challenges and require extra interpersonal instructional support, which may be overcome through a blended learning approach. Due to limited access to technology in LBS programs, little is known about adult learners’ attitudes toward online learning. This study investigates learners’ attitudes and perceived success in blended learning, and key factors contributing to individual differences. A survey was administered to 149 LBS student participants at three Ontario community colleges, along with interviews conducted with 37 students. The results of correlation and thematic analysis have shown that differences exist in their attitudes between face-to-face and online learning environments, 90% versus 40% positive respectively. Individual differences in their perceptions were found to be associated with their age, time out of formal education, education levels, and computer skills.Les programmes de formation de base et alphabétisation (« FBA ») de nombreux collèges de l’Ontario offrent aux apprenants adultes dont la formation de base et la littératie sont faibles des occasions d’améliorer leur employabilité ainsi que leurs résultats aux cours prérequis pour l’admission aux études postsecondaires. Les étudiants en FBA font face à de nombreux défis et ont besoin de plus de soutien didactique interpersonnel, ce qui peut être surmonté par une approche d’apprentissage mixte. À cause de l’accès limité à la technologie dans les programmes de FBA, on en sait peu sur les attitudes des apprenants adultes quant à l’apprentissage en ligne. Cette étude se penche sur les attitudes des apprenants et sur la perception de la réussite en apprentissage mixte, ainsi que sur les principaux facteurs qui contribuent aux différences individuelles. Cent quarante-neuf étudiants en FBA de trois collèges communautaires en Ontario ont répondu à un sondage, et des entrevues ont été réalisées avec 37 étudiants. Les résultats de l’analyse de corrélation et de l’analyse thématique ont démontré qu’il existe des différences dans leurs attitudes relatives aux environnements d’apprentissage en personne et en ligne, qui sont positives respectivement à 90 % et 40 %. Nous avons relevé que les différences individuelles de perception étaient associées à l’âge, à la durée passée hors de l’éducation formelle, au niveau d’éducation et aux compétences informatiques.

Adult Millennials

2018 ◽  
pp. 1898-1916
Author(s):  
Brian Bourke
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Millennial Generation ◽  
Generational Status ◽  
Post Secondary Education ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Distinct Subpopulation

Discussions about students in post-secondary education are often based on divisions of distinct subpopulations, which are in turn often based on demographics or generational status. In the context of adult learners who are also members of the Millennial generation, there exist no discussions of the overlaps between the two groups. In this chapter, the author provides an overview of the characteristics of both adult learners and members of the Millennial generation. Following a comparison of the characteristics of the two groups, the author offers a perspective of a distinct subpopulation: Adult Millennials. After offering strategies for working with Adult Millennials, with attention to online learning environments, the chapter concludes with suggestions for further research addressing Adult Millennials.

Adult Literacy Programme for Poverty Reduction

2021 ◽  
pp. 659-679
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar ◽  
Martha Namufohamba
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Transformational Learning ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Basic Skills ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Literacy Programme

Citizens who lack basic skills and knowledge end up with unemployment or low-paying jobs. This leads to existence in poverty and a lack of opportunity to even voice. Low literacy levels affect economic development, diminish citizen participation and contribution, and are burdensome on nations. To address the issue, many nations consider, adopt, and support adult literacy programmes (ALP). Namibia is no exception. Hence, in 2003, the Adult Literacy Programme was initiated and is still actively engaging the targeted community members for acquiring basic skills and knowledge, thereby reducing poverty. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess ALP's success in poverty reduction as a citizenry approach. Based on the transformational learning theory and the capability approach, the qualitative research method is adopted, and data collection is done with structured interviews using a purposive sampling technique. Findings reflect ALP has enhanced the lives of participants and, therefore forms part of the measures to inhibit several social-related evils that cause poverty.

scholarly journals 'Quick Reads' May Promote Literacy without Stigma: Findings from Eight UK Public Libraries

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Stephanie Jane Hall
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Basic Skills ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Adult Readers ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Literacy Services

A review of: McLoughlin, Carla, and Anne Morris. "UK Public Libraries: Roles in Adult Literacy Provision." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 36.1 (March 2004): 37-46. Objective – To examine the role of public libraries in the provision of adult literacy services, with a detailed look at both the successes and concerns of the libraries under study; to provide recommendations for best practice in establishing or reviewing adult literacy services. Design – A series of case studies using written reports and semi-structured interviews. Setting – Eight public libraries in the UK involved in literacy service provision or reader development services. Subjects – Eight senior staff members in charge of library literacy programming. Method – A written report of literacy service initiatives was solicited from each participating library. A single interview was conducted with a staff member in charge of literacy service at each of the eight participating libraries. Fact-checking telephone interviews were conducted at three locations where adult literacy programs were in early stages. More in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted at the five libraries with better established programs. Each type of interview consisted of a set of scripted questions supplemented by individualized questions based on the written reports. Main results – There are four key areas of results to be summarized from this study: Adult Literacy Collections – The authors observed three main approaches to branding literacy collections: ?Emphasis on reading for pleasure (with collections entitled ‘Quick Reads’ or ‘First Choice’); ?Emphasis on reading for skills development; ?Discreet labelling enabling stock recognition without advertising that the reader is borrowing literacy materials. The authors conclude that the ‘Quick Reads’ approach was the most successful in highlighting the collection without stigmatizing it and in promoting the pleasure of reading. The importance of maintaining relevant, attractive books was highlighted, with collections targeting both entry level readers and emergent readers. Approaches for Supporting Adult Literacy – The libraries used reader development extensively as a strategy to support adult literacy efforts. Staff tied literacy offerings to other programs or services of interest (for example, promoting adult literacy services alongside audio-visual collections and Internet access). Adult learners were also targeted for library tours, reading groups, and assistance with book selection for the literacy collection. Some of the libraries hired new staff from outside the library profession, choosing candidates with prior experience in basic skills development or community work. Methods of Attracting Adults with Poor Literacy -- Partnership was identified as a key strategy for the libraries studied. Partnerships were formed with numerous agencies, including the probationary service, a community centre (where the library’s ‘reader in residence’ was installed), a college, and a Peugeot factory. Networking with other literacy service providers and coalitions was also an important strategy, particularly as a way to increase the library’s profile as a literacy service provider. Perhaps the simplest strategy for attracting adults with poor literacy was to identify areas of the library districts where literacy skills were lowest and then to target literacy service to those regions. Sustainability and Mainstreaming -- Early planning for sustainability was crucial. Incorporating funding for literacy staffing and collections into the core budget and annual library plan was also an important step. While some libraries hired new staff, and one library staffed the literacy project with volunteers, using existing staff for adult literacy work proved to be more efficient and sustainable. Instilling a sense of ownership in the project for both staff and users of the literacy services by involving them in the development and promotion of literacy service and collections was another strategy employed to ensure longevity of the service. Conclusions – The most successful form of library literacy service provision was found to be the reader development approach (promoting reading for enjoyment and building reading activities around existing interests). The libraries studied showed an understanding of the wide range of reading levels and interests among adult learners. Potential barriers for libraries in the provision of adult literacy service “include restrictive funding criteria, limited staff capacity, and a bidding culture that remains unsympathetic to public library circumstances” (44). The authors make five recommendations for best practices in adult literacy service provision: Eclectic adult literacy collections: Collections should be fresh and appealing and should incorporate engaging non-fiction. Standardized criteria for adult literacy stock: Standardized criteria should be developed by a basic skills agency, preferably at a national level. Equality for adult readers: Approach adult readers as people who read for enjoyment or who are ‘getting back to reading’, rather than as those needing to ‘improve’ their reading. Maximum access: Ensure a diverse and well-stocked collection of books that is easy for adult learners to locate. Community profiling: Optimize service delivery by profiling your community’s literacy levels.

Blended Learning by Gamification in a Second-Year Introductory Engineering Design Course

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyona Sharunova ◽  
Ahmed Ead ◽  
Christopher Robson ◽  
Misha Afaq ◽  
Pierre Mertiny
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Face To Face Instruction

With the rapid development of engineering and new demands of contemporary employers, post-secondary institutions have to adapt, improve and enhance engineering curricula to ensure that recent graduates possess appropriate levels of technical and professional skills and multilateral abilities for a successful start in industry. As industrial technologies, tools, and processes evolve, so must teaching methodologies and approaches, which significantly changes the structure of engineering courses. To ensure that students not only master technical knowledge but also develop their professional, interpersonal, cognitive and computer skills, engineering curricula have begun to shift from a classic instruction format to a blended learning format. Blended learning, the strategy of combining regular face-to-face instruction with online learning and/or other out-of-class-activities, is increasingly used in post-secondary education and disciplines and can take different forms depending on the course needs and desired learning outcomes. This paper reviews the recent implementation of blended learning in the form of gamification of a second-year introductory engineering design course using a commercial online learning platform. The reasoning, methodology, process and the results of student surveys before and after the online game are discussed along with suggested improvements.

Adult Literacy Programme for Poverty Reduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-55
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar ◽  
Martha Namufohamba
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Transformational Learning ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Basic Skills ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Literacy Programme

Citizens who lack basic skills and knowledge end up with unemployment or low-paying jobs. This leads to existence in poverty and a lack of opportunity to even voice. Low literacy levels affect economic development, diminish citizen participation and contribution, and are burdensome on nations. To address the issue, many nations consider, adopt, and support adult literacy programmes (ALP). Namibia is no exception. Hence, in 2003, the Adult Literacy Programme was initiated and is still actively engaging the targeted community members for acquiring basic skills and knowledge, thereby reducing poverty. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess ALP's success in poverty reduction as a citizenry approach. Based on the transformational learning theory and the capability approach, the qualitative research method is adopted, and data collection is done with structured interviews using a purposive sampling technique. Findings reflect ALP has enhanced the lives of participants and, therefore forms part of the measures to inhibit several social-related evils that cause poverty.

scholarly journals Analysis of Student Readiness for Blended Learning Model Implementation in Industrial Era 4.0

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Firdaus Firdaus ◽  
Rifqi Muntaqo ◽  
Eli Trisnowati
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Technology In Education ◽  
Attitudes Toward Learning ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Learning Flexibility ◽  
Study Management ◽  
Students Attitudes

<p>Information technology (IT) has provided a new means for online learning outside conventional classrooms. By using IT, blended learning is an approach that gives the best advantage from class and online learning. It is also help the higher education to improve their understanding of how students see blended learning and formulate strategies to successfully implement blended learning. The aim of this research is to examine how students' attitudes towards various aspects of learning which can influence their readiness to participate in blended learning. We provide six aspects of learning and then collect 85 students as respondent. The analysis revealed three main findings. First, the use of technology in education is not an obstacle for students. Second, the ability to follow blended learning are influenced by four things namely attitudes toward online learning, study management, online interaction, and learning flexibility. Third, attitudes toward learning in class have a negative relationship with students' readiness to participate in blended learning. The last, student attitudes towards various aspects of learning can be important in assessing students' readiness for blended learning, which is a prerequisite for the successful application of blended learning.</p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Blended learning, industry 4.0, student attitudes</p>

Adult Millennials

2014 ◽  
pp. 62-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Bourke
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Millennial Generation ◽  
Generational Status ◽  
Post Secondary Education ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Distinct Subpopulation

Discussions about students in post-secondary education are often based on divisions of distinct subpopulations, which are in turn often based on demographics or generational status. In the context of adult learners who are also members of the Millennial generation, there exist no discussions of the overlaps between the two groups. In this chapter, the author provides an overview of the characteristics of both adult learners and members of the Millennial generation. Following a comparison of the characteristics of the two groups, the author offers a perspective of a distinct subpopulation: Adult Millennials. After offering strategies for working with Adult Millennials, with attention to online learning environments, the chapter concludes with suggestions for further research addressing Adult Millennials.

Adult Millennials

2014 ◽  
pp. 126-142
Author(s):  
Brian Bourke
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Millennial Generation ◽  
Generational Status ◽  
Post Secondary Education ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Distinct Subpopulation

Discussions about students in post-secondary education are often based on divisions of distinct subpopulations, which are in turn often based on demographics or generational status. In the context of adult learners who are also members of the Millennial generation, there exist no discussions of the overlaps between the two groups. In this chapter, the author provides an overview of the characteristics of both adult learners and members of the Millennial generation. Following a comparison of the characteristics of the two groups, the author offers a perspective of a distinct subpopulation: Adult Millennials. After offering strategies for working with Adult Millennials, with attention to online learning environments, the chapter concludes with suggestions for further research addressing Adult Millennials.

scholarly journals Teaching Strategies that Motivate English Language Adult Literacy Learners to Invest in their Education: A Literature Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-42
Author(s):  
Deborah Severinsen ◽  
Lori Kennedy ◽  
Salwa Mohamud
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Teaching Strategies ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Literacy Teachers ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Literacy Learners

Canadian English language programs have seen a recent increase in enrolment by English as a Second Language adult literacy learners. To date, minimal research has been conducted with these learners, leaving literacy teachers with little guidance. In our literature review we found that, because learners often lose motivation due to their lack of or limited education, building motivation and investment must be at the heart of lesson design when teaching adult literacy learners. Thus, we adopted a transformative and post-structuralist framework to extend proven sociocultural theories to the adult literacy learner population. Our article reviewed past literature, incorporated the autobiographical narratives of experienced literacy teachers and provided six teaching strategies for increasing investment and motivation in adult literacy learners: providing relevance, addressing settlement needs, incorporating life experiences, encouraging learner autonomy, promoting collaborative learning, and building self-efficacy. Our article will demonstrate that further research is required in the arena of adult low literacy English language learners. Keywordsmotivation, investment, post-structuralist and transformative framework, teaching strategies, ESL adult literacy learners, limited formal education, English language learner, literature review.

scholarly journals Russian perspectives of online learning technologies in higher education: An empirical study of a MOOC

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viola Larionova ◽  
Ken Brown ◽  
Tatiana Bystrova ◽  
Evgueny Sinitsyn
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Global Education ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
University Level

There has been a rapid growth of massive open online courses (MOOCs) in the global education market in the last decade. Online learning technologies are becoming increasingly widespread in the non-formal education sector and in higher and supplementary vocational education. The use of MOOCs in Russia to support the delivery of educational programmes at university level opens opportunities in terms of expanding the educational choice for students, the development of virtual academic mobility, reduction in the cost of educational services, and improvement in the accessibility of education. However, the effectiveness of using different online learning technologies at university level, and the consequences of their widespread adoption, has not been sufficiently explored. In this research study, a comparative analysis is made of the effects of different online learning models on student educational outcomes in a university setting. A study was undertaken in which different groups of students at the Ural Federal University, Russia, were encouraged to study technical and humanities disciplines using a framework of blended learning, and online learning with tutoring support. The results of the study were compared with the results of a reference (control) group of students who studied the same disciplines in a traditionally taught model. It was found that both models (blended and online) of MOOC implementation demonstrated greater learning gains, in comparison with the traditional model. For engineering and technical disciplines, there was no statistically significant difference between blended or online learning technologies. For the humanities discipline, where the communicative component of the learning process was significant, the blended learning technology produced better results. Conclusions of this empirical research may be useful for heads of educational organizations and teachers in helping them to make strategic decisions about the modernization of university courses by increasing the effectiveness of the implementation of new educational technologies. The results of this research project will be used for implementing the State Priority Project, ‘The Modern Digital Educational Environment of the Russian Federation’.

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