Applying Distance Learning and Structural/Pedagogical Methods to an Adult Learner Program

Author(s):  
Jeffrey Hsu ◽  
Karin Hamilton

Adult learner students are becoming a key segment of the undergraduate college market; however, adults have a different set of needs, orientations, and approaches to learning. This paper examines the background and characteristics of adult learners, together with various approaches to meeting the needs of these non-traditional students (distance learning, intensive and block scheduling, modular learning, etc.). The application of these methods and techniques are illustrated in the structure and implementation of a real-life adult learner program for business undergraduates.

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):  
Jeffrey Hsu ◽  
Karin Hamilton ◽  
John Wang

Information technology professionals comprise an important segment of adult learners seeking a four-year undergraduate degree, and it is important to provide programs that address not only the conceptual and theoretical, but also adult learning needs in terms of career orientation and practicality together with providing real-life applications relevant to the needs of the IT job marketplace. The techniques of employing distance learning, providing modular and practical learning segments, emphasizing adult-oriented learning preferences, engaging users toward learning, and providing appropriate course schedules and sequencing are discussed in the context of an actual adult learner program. This program integrates job and career-oriented needs with that of a well-rounded business education. Examples and illustrations are provided to illustrate how an adult-oriented program was customized to provide needs important to adult learners and IT professionals, with the objective of producing superior and useful learning results.


Author(s):  
Jeffrey Hsu ◽  
Karin Hamilton

Adult learners have a set of specific and unique needs, and are different from traditional college students. Possessing greater maturity, interest in learning, and also career and life-oriented objectives, they have different expectations for their education, as well as different backgrounds and goals. This chapter examines what adult learners are, theories of adult learning, and the applicability of online learning to adult learners. Specific teaching methods and techniques are discussed for online and hybrid distance learning courses, as well as hybrid arrangements; encompassing teaching methods, types of exercises and activities, intensive course structures, block scheduling, and the use of modular course segments. Examples from an adult learner hybrid distance learning undergraduate program, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Global Business Management, are also provided. Future trends and areas for further research conclude the chapter.


Author(s):  
Jeffrey Hsu ◽  
Karin Hamilton ◽  
John Wang

Information technology professionals comprise an important segment of adult learners seeking a four-year undergraduate degree, and it is important to provide programs that address not only the conceptual and theoretical, but also adult learning needs in terms of career orientation and practicality together with providing real-life applications relevant to the needs of the IT job marketplace. The techniques of employing distance learning, providing modular and practical learning segments, emphasizing adult-oriented learning preferences, engaging users toward learning, and providing appropriate course schedules and sequencing are discussed in the context of an actual adult learner program. This program integrates job and career-oriented needs with that of a well-rounded business education. Examples and illustrations are provided to illustrate how an adult-oriented program was customized to provide needs important to adult learners and IT professionals, with the objective of producing superior and useful learning results.


2020 ◽  
pp. 97-108
Author(s):  
William H. Robertson

The use of online course delivery has been promoted at many institutions of higher education as a way to provide greater access to students in a variety of degree programs. The lack of emphasis of online pedagogical strategies has left many faculty members to not consider teaching online, while administrators look for ways to increase revenue through enrollment with limited classroom space on campus. In this paper, the reasons faculty who have taught not online are explored and examined, while providing insight into the motivations of teaching online that could lead to increased participation within distance learning frameworks. Currently, universities across the globe are continuously challenged to provide increased opportunities to non-traditional students without increasing tuition for students or the overall operating budget. As most non-traditional students are not able to attend their classes in a full-time status, many universities are now encouraging and developing a strong distance education program across their institutions. Although distance learning does in fact provide non-traditional students the opportunity of higher education the integrity of university must not be lost, and the following case study of a Hispanic Serving Institution in the Southwest United states is a good example of how universities must consider the consequences and not just the benefits that online teaching has to offer.


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.


2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Bamber

Within the context of increasing pressures to widen participation, this article is based on small-scale qualitative research into the pre-course experiences of some non-traditional students undertaking a BA in Community Education. The central idea is that developing the capacity for critical reflection (Brookfield, 2000), through participation in informal learning activities, is significant in enabling the ‘readiness’ of non-traditional students for university. If this is the case, it follows that there are pedagogical implications for the work of informal educators in assisting adult learners to develop this capacity. In some ways the article can be read as a response to Preece et al's (1998, p 7) call for further research into ‘how curriculum content and teaching and learning styles’ can sustain and widen participation. The article concludes by suggesting that the development of this capacity could form a crucial bridge between informal modes of learning and the learning required in HE.


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.


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