tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115859012008-06-15T17:26:18.091-07:00The Adult Educator BlogGray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-78633145752643213232008-06-15T17:14:00.000-07:002008-06-15T17:26:18.155-07:00Is on-demand learning more efficient?A key to answering this question can be found in Marie Wallace's summary of adult learning characteristics. As pointed out in the previous post, Internet and Adult Learning, which addresses these point by point, almost every one of these characteristics can be effectively addressed via web based on-demand learning. The result is greater motivation and greater immediate applicability. What is Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-21992528968269447482008-06-14T19:09:00.000-07:002008-06-14T19:12:06.374-07:00The Internet and adut learningIs the Internet/Web 2.0 turning adult learning on its head?
The answer is simple, No. The Internet is not ravaging adult learning theory, on the contrary, it is confirming what we already knew. Let's take Marie Wallace's points and see how they stack up against todays Web 2.0 and on-demand learning.
Adults are self-directed: What more self -direction than on-demand learning where adults canGray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1142831808077033002006-03-19T21:15:00.000-08:002007-01-16T13:27:32.216-08:00Why is continuous learning important as we age?Yes, it is true that now a days many jobs demand continuous learning. If for no other reason we need to learn just to keep up with technology and not to become irrelevant or ineffective but there is another reason. Even after retirement it is important for adults to continue to learn because the process of learning keeps the brain young.
Learning causes the brain to build new internal Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1142142328107409162006-03-11T21:40:00.000-08:002006-03-11T21:45:28.116-08:00Adult e-learning expectations vs. reality.Expectations of e-learning complementing and even substituting traditional education have been high, however, as mentioned in and articles entitled “An Integrative Model to Predict the Continuance Use of Electronic Learning Systems” reality has fallen short of expectations.
In this writers opinion, the reason is that very often current e-learning is made of adaptations of print or traditional Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1114668317620705582005-04-27T23:04:00.000-07:002005-07-01T00:49:16.716-07:00New adult learning page!A new adult learning page has been added to the site. Check it out of the following posting:
• What is adult learning?
• Why is adult learning different? Or is it?
• What are the principles of adult learning?
• Adult Learning Myths
• How adults are best taught online
The page is intended to be an overview on the adult learning area. More will be added to the site in the future.Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1113034526857273072005-04-09T01:13:00.000-07:002005-04-09T01:15:26.856-07:00Principles of Adult Learning“Part of being an effective instructor involves understanding how adults learn best. Compared to children and teens, adults have special needs and requirements as learners. Despite the apparent truth, adult learning is a relatively new area of study.”
Here is a web page that will help you better understand adults learners but view it critically. As you read through adult theory you will find Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1112937015241491162005-04-07T22:09:00.000-07:002005-04-08T20:14:11.106-07:00Options in online learningAdults have great new opportunities to study online, at their own pace, and even get life experience. It’s never been so easy to get degrees and certifications while still maintaining a job or other responsibilities. Many institutions offer such degrees and many of the programs are truly good in spite of earlier critics. Yet, when an unknowing adult does a search, unless he/she is persevering,Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1112180141037769542005-03-30T02:52:00.000-08:002005-03-30T02:55:41.040-08:00Adult Learning a competitive necessity.”Workforce education is a "diamond in the rough" and needs to be awakened to the public and legislators, says the newly appointed deputy director for Arkansas Department of Workforce Education.” from: New state deputy says workforce education: 'sleeping giant'
Two things are clear. First, America must find a way out of its current suicidal trade imbalance. Second, with an aging population Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1111380442364079842005-03-20T20:25:00.000-08:002005-03-20T20:50:03.453-08:00Adult Learning Myths Adult learning is inherently joyful Adults are innately self-directed learners Good educational practice always meets the needs articulated by learners themselves There is a uniquely adult learning process as well as a uniquely adult form of practice.
I'm not sure where many of the theoreticians were while developing their adult learning (andragogical) theories. In their world Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1111378985455261812005-03-20T20:07:00.000-08:002005-03-29T08:23:53.533-08:00What are the principles of adult learning?Adults learn best when: Their prior learning was rewarded (monetarily or with recognition)The subject matter is relevant to their perceived needs (professional or other)Interaction and dialog are possible throughout the instructionSelf direction is possibleMistakes are seen as opportunities to learnCritical thinking, creative thinking, and problem solving are part ofGray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1111378043958344482005-03-20T20:04:00.000-08:002005-03-20T20:07:23.960-08:00Why is adult learning different? Or is it?Since the first adult learning theory was developed it has been argued that adults learn differently because, among other things, they bring with them experiences that young children don’t. Andragogy (how adult learn) differs from Pedagogy (how children learn) in that pedagogy does not address prior experiences. To this extent we can say that they are different, however, even with young Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11585901.post-1111377837012407752005-03-20T19:57:00.000-08:002005-03-20T20:03:57.016-08:00What is adult learning?Adult learning is any “post-compulsory” learning. Other terms used for Adult Learning are “Life-long Learning” and “Continuing Education”. Adult learning is a broad term that can comprise formal college education; job related training, community education, or self improvement.
if you are involved or consider being involved in any of the above, you will find this blog of interest as we build Gray Harrimannoreply@blogger.com