Engaging Adult Learners and Fostering Self-Directedness

Author(s):  
Kim E. Dooley ◽  
James R. Linder ◽  
Larry M. Dooley

It is clear that educators rely on a variety of instructional methods to change learners’ behaviors. What is less clear is how distance learning educators can foster deeper and more meaningful learning by taking into account a learner’s unique background, experiences, competencies, learning styles, personality type, and levels of self-directedness. This is a challenge for those educators wishing to create a learner-centered instructional environment at a distance. How can educators avoid the trap of “teaching to the middle,” providing materials that are too challenging for some learners and too simple for others? How can educators identify learners’ dependency level/self-directedness?

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Bishop-Clark ◽  
Beth Dietz-Uhler ◽  
Amy Fisher

GEOMATICA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-53
Author(s):  
Izaak de Rijcke

After many months of research and course design, an initial distance learning course offering was delivered in early 2011 called, “Introduction to Canadian Common Law for Land Surveyors”. The course was designed to expose foreign trained professional land surveyors to the study of boundary law. Many present candidates for articles and licensing in professional land surveying have been welcomed to Canada as permanent residents as part of an immigration screening process that recognizes foreign education and credentials. In meeting its obligation to offer learning opportunities for such candidates to gain admission to the practice of professional surveying in Ontario, AOLS undertook the development of adult learning courses in all disciplines, including survey law. This presentation will describe the issues surrounding development and delivery of survey law learning. The challenges are usually daunting enough when the subject matter is law. What has made the development of this series of courses novel is the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) which allows for the integration of reading resources, external references, video vignettes, and a replay of past learning sessions. The course design has been internet based and allows for learner participation from a distance through the internet. For adult learners who are working, have families, and live away from the teaching venue, these courses offer new opportunities in the education of the geomatics professional. For existing members looking for professional development, the full suite of courses promises to be a rich resource for staying current and in touch with new developments in boundary law.


2013 ◽  
pp. 394-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Hsu ◽  
Zhongxian Wang ◽  
Karin Hamilton

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.


Author(s):  
Belgin Boz Yuksekdag

In this chapter, the author answer the question, How should the experts approach the design of distance nursing education? In this context, firstly, the chapter focuses on the importance of continuity of education and distance education for nurses. Secondly, it discusses the design of distance nursing education programs and the issues to be taken into account by experts. Thirdly, it explains the issues that need to be addressed in distance nursing education such as transition from teacher-centered approach to learner-centered approach, learning styles of learners, technology, interaction, presentation of content, and support services. Lastly, the chapter offers solutions and suggestions.


Author(s):  
Susan Crichton

Throughout the 1990s, educators working in alternative schools explored the use of individual learning plans as support for at risk students and reluctant, returning adult learners (Crichton, 2005; Crichton & Kinsel, 2002). These early learning plans were strictly paper based. Each student had her/his own cardboard folder that contained goal personal statements, benchmarks, course process, and personal information (e.g., interests, preferred learning styles). Samples of completed work were included in the folders so students could see their improvement/progress. By 1998, there was interest in exploring the potential of technology to improve the paper portfolios, noting improvements in multimedia authoring and Internet access. It was found that electronic learning plans, complete with collaborative journals, showed promise (Kinsel, 2004). This chapter suggests that ePortfolios that draw on content from personal eJournals extend those early learning plans both in concept and impact on learning.


Author(s):  
Belgin Boz Yuksekdag

In this chapter, the author answer the question, How should the experts approach the design of distance nursing education? In this context, firstly, the chapter focuses on the importance of continuity of education and distance education for nurses. Secondly, it discusses the design of distance nursing education programs and the issues to be taken into account by experts. Thirdly, it explains the issues that need to be addressed in distance nursing education such as transition from teacher-centered approach to learner-centered approach, learning styles of learners, technology, interaction, presentation of content, and support services. Lastly, the chapter offers solutions and suggestions.


Author(s):  
Royce Ann Collins

Learning style research has informed effective classroom teaching strategies for decades. Technology has allowed faculty and students to move the learning environment from the four-walled classroom to a fluid global virtual space. Knowledge gained through the application of learning style research to online instruction has enhanced practice; however, research demonstrating the alignment of learning styles with current technological resources has been limited. Learning styles and their interrelationship with technology and adult learners is as important today as initial learning style research was in the six decades after its beginnings in the 1940s. Education today must meet the needs of students who are more comfortable in electronic environments, as well as those who need the four-walled classroom. The ability to use learning style research to accomplish both will lead to enhanced student learning and a more productive experience.


Author(s):  
Rita Zaltsman

The present chapter assesses the key questions of communication barriers in distance learning virtual communities. To examine their cultural aspects, a Web-survey for distance learners has been conducted. The principal areas of interest were a cultural dichotomy of West/East; discrepancies in educational cultures (teacher-centered vs. learner-centered); mismatches in communication and educational traditions in different cultures; conflict paradigm and methods of conflict resolution. The findings of the survey are summarized and interpreted and some implications for further research are discussed.


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