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Week 8: Adult Education
One of the disadvantages in the boom in technology and the Internet has been for adult learners who must absorb entire new ways of accessing and acquiring information. Some adults, finding it all too overwhelming, simply continue on as they have all their lives. ignoring computers, peripherals, and the Internet. But other adults, including many seniors, embrace technology as a way of keeping in contact with friends and relatives, in pursuing hobbies, and in becoming informed about health and world events. Many adults whose jobs have become dependent on technology find themselves compelled to learn, in a hurry, how to use computer equipment that wasn't invented several years ago. Business employers offer their employees web-based training (WBT) or computer-based training (CBT), a subject that was looked at in Week 2.
One of the inevitable (and sometimes controversial) things to come out of the Internet boom is the explosion of distance education, or online learning. While some distance education "diploma mills" have been criticized and discredited, more and more established colleges and universities are offering online classes because of the increasing demand for it, especially by post-high school learners who do not have the resources or inclination to live on campus and attend classes full time. The discussion about the value of in-class discussions and the limitations of distance education will probably continue. But the number of online offerings will no doubt continue, as well.
This week we will be taking a look at some articles and sites having to do with post-high school education. Included in some of the sites will be ESL sites that can be adapted to younger or older learners.
Focus Questions:
1. How do adult learners differ from school-age learners?
2. What are the benefits and disadvantages for adults seeking to learn more using technology?
3. Is distance education a viable alternative to regular in-class learning? Do you have experience with distance education?
4. How might an employer use online resources to advantage?
Adult Education, ESL, and Distance Education Sites
100 Things Every Adult College Student Should Know http://adulted.about.com/library/weekly/aa070300a.htm
Assignments:
Reading Assignment
Read the following articles:
"Majority of College Students Return to School for Re Careering" http://www.back2college.com/reentry.htm
"Distance Education: An Overview" http://www.uidaho.edu/evo/dist1.html
Focus Questions
Post your answers to at least two of the focus questions to the Blackboard.tvcc.cc site or email them to me.
Final Assignment for Week 10:
Research and/or develop a project that examines or uses a particular technology in an educational situation. You might evaluate a technology or application that is of particular personal interest to you or that you would like to use in the future. You might be interested in organizing some sort of technology inservice training, and discuss what types of workshops you would include for other teachers. You could also look into the needs of your educational organization and consider what resources and planning, including the input and training of those who will use the technology, would be needed to upgrade or implement the technology plan.
The project can be in the form of a paper, 750-1000 words, or a website. Include any references, including web links and outside experts, that you use.
Educational Media and Technology
EOU Malheur County Center (541) 889-7468 or (541) 889-6222
