TECHNOLOGY AND ADULT LEARNING

Technology and Adult Learning in the 21st Century

Abstract

In today's world where already two out of three employees spend a major part of their time processing information1, self-directed, self-motivated lifelong learning has become a vital necessity for citizens of all ages if they are to keep a pace with the political, ecological, economic and social changes going on around them. Unfortunately, poorly qualified adults or those with an insufficient level of literacy (not simply in terms of reading, writing and numeracy but, equally importantly, the ability to navigate in the labyrinth of information and knowledge) are finding themselves subjugated by the impact of the media and unable to benefit from new learning opportunities; they are gradually being excluded from society. This sector of the community, particularly those seeking a first opportunity to integrate the labor market, will represent the target audience of this study.

A number of international studies have shown that Information Technology is a valuable tool for extending learning opportunities to wider sectors of the community. Not only can it stimulate new learning attitudes and strategies, it is also a powerful medium for developing formal and informal learning environments which empower, liberate, transform and create new roles, relationships and processes, particularly for those who encounter difficulties in traditional learning situations. When implemented effectively, IT can overcome learners' fears of being judged, heighten motivation and raise self-esteem - access to powerful technology conveys messages about being valued members of society, thereby opening up new opportunities for equality.

Little has been done to date to assess the value of IT in adult learning. Few teachers have been given the opportunity to discover open-ended, IT-incorporated training approaches. The greatest advances in this area seem to be coming from in-company training sectors, where the massive resources being invested to update employees' skills are even further increasing the gap between members of the workforce and the socially excluded.

Table of Contents

Introduction6

Statement of the problem7

Discussion7

Innovations in Teaching7

Information on Generations10

Generation X13

Generation Y15

Impact23

Internet use and email26

Adult Internet users by generation27

Learning Online30

Discipline and Technology31

Student Learning33

Technology33

Interaction35

Perceived Learning37

Acceptance of Online Graduates38

Making Technology Relevant in Today's Classrooms39

Technology as a Standard Classroom Tool39

Building Virtual Environments for K-12 Schools40

No class registration41

Individualized learning41

More control41

Parent involvement42

Content in Action, Across the Nation and Around the Globe42

The Changing Face of Education for Lifelong Learning43

The Evolution and Development of Lifelong Learning49

Conclusion50

References51

Technology and Adult Learning in the 21st Century

Chapter 1

Introduction

The challenges for education in the 21st century are to discover and develop tools that add value to both teaching and learning. The evolving landscape of higher education is significantly affected by new technologies and changes in student demographics. To help learners achieve these elevating expectations, institutions are competing to provide support that fit the needs of these diverse groups.

Today's learner demographics are fragmented by age groups, locations, areas of study and learning preferences. These groups demand customized teaching modalities to optimize educational effectiveness. Education today is no longer restricted to the traditional classroom lecture. Learning preferences differ among adults due to a number of factors, which include comfort level ...