Preparing Adult Education Students For Success Using Online Learning Resources.

          

Preparing Adult Education Students For Success Using Online Learning Resources.

             In reviewing programs that can be used to support adult learners in professional learning environments, I have identified the following platforms which are currently used in post-secondary settings: blackboard -http://www.blackboard.com/index.html and

webct - https://www.elearninglearning.com/webct/.  Having worked with both of these software programs within my academic career, I strongly suggest their use and with non-traditional adult learners. In learning environments to include high school settings through college there needs to be a integration of resources so that students will be familiar with various means of applied instruction before entering college at best.

            These programs can be used via IVC, web-based, and blended methods of instructional design. Students returning to a learning environment may find these programs difficult, which is the reason I suggest building the students’ confidence as adult educators first. Next and with strong considerations there should be a protocol to allow these programs to be used towards the end of students’ first year of college studies. To make this a fair reality a program of work must be supported to benefit the students’ learning outcomes. Learning labs, tutorials and other forms of support should be part of the post-secondary education experiences for adult learning.

            I encourage students currently in college and those seeking to enroll to support online learning resources both pre-enrollment and post-graduation. The outcomes will build confidence in your applied skills and professional acquisitions when entering the workplace. Professional demands on college educated professional requires a strong level of preparation.

Resources:

Bonk, C. J. (2009). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Posted by:

Dr. Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD

Educational Director -

Career & Technical Education / Workforce Development

Macon County Public Schools - Tuskegee, AL