Education Commons^™

Facilitating Transfer For Adult Learners Through Cross-Cultural E-Learning, Min Zhang

Graduate Research Papers

Benefiting from globalization and technology advancement, e-leaming is increasingly being used by work organizations for improving the skills of knowledge workers. However, most workplace e-leaming is too theoretical to impact on-the-job and ultimately fails to serve the organizations' quest for success. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the variables that affect transfer of learning, and to provide feasible strategies to enhance transfer of learning for international adult learners in cross-cultural online learning environments. By conducting a critical review of purposefully selected peer reviewed journal articles, this review highlights the relationship between cultural differences and learning style preferences …

Developing Personal Learning Networks Through Social Media As An Effective Learning Strategy Across Generational Demographics, John A. Engelhart

Graduate Research Papers

The changing world of technology and the increasing use of social media for learning are present among a multitude of identified generations. Adult learning and the approach to which learning is facilitated has changed greatly in recent years due to emerging technologies. This literature review presents evidence of each generation's learning style. The integration of social media into learning environments supports Personal Learning Networks for any age demographic. This review of literature is based on published literature including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, books, and reputable websites. The reviewer found social media is not used equally among generational demographics. Social media's impact …

Constructivism And Distance Education : Meeting The Needs Of Adult Learners In Distance Education, Kimberly D. Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

This review addresses literature regarding how the implementation of constructivist principles in designing online learning environments can meet adults' needs. This literature review identifies the specific characteristics and concerns associated with distance learning environments. It also explores the usefulness of using constructivism as a means to meet the unique needs of adult learners in distance learning courses. Resources consist primarily of books and articles published from 1995 to the present, dealing with issues of constructivism, andragogy, and distance education.

The topics covered include constructivism, adult learners, and constructivist-based strategies integration with particular attention being paid to the problem-based learning model, …

Designing And Developing Online Instruction For The Adult Learner : Learning Theories, Motivational Models, And E-Tivities, Krystal Grady

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to describe how instructors can build interactive online courses that will enhance student learning, enjoyment, motivation, and success in an online distance education course. It is intended to be a resource for instructors to use when planning and preparing to teach an online course. This literature review should help instructors understand who adult learners are and what motivates them to succeed; why using an instructional design model will help save time, money, and increase the success of the course; and how to use the technology available in the online environment to build online …

Using Podcasts To Support Distance Education For Adult Learners, David Graw

Graduate Research Papers

Podcasting is one of several emerging Web 2.0 technologies that are becoming important to the future of distance education for adult learners. This investigation examines the influence of podcasting in support of distance education programming for adult students. An overview of student perspectives, instructional support systems, and technological trends is presented to readers interested in using podcasts to support adult learners enrolled in distance education programs.

The literature review provides information that will help readers understand the complexities of integrating podcast technology into adult distance education programs. This review of the literature concludes that an understanding of student perspectives, podcast …

Preparing Instructors Of Adult Learners To Address The Needs Of Minority Students, Travell Unique Brock

Graduate Research Papers

In predominately Caucasian educational systems, diversity in the classroom is becoming a fast-growing phenomenon. With this new phenomenon, adult instructors now have a new challenge of facilitating learning in an environment where the learners not only have different learning capabilities, but also language and cultural differences. The reviewer answers the following questions: what are the important considerations for instructors to prepare diverse adult learners for corporate work environments, higher education, and K-12 professional development? And what are the appropriate cultural specific media and literature resources to include in training?

The literature collected focused on resources related to teaching adult minority …

Effective E-Learning Environments For Adult Learners, Lois A. Lindell

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the types of instructional strategies that are appropriate and effective in e-learning environments for today's adult learners. To identify the best practices among instructional strategies in e-learning environments, three specific questions were addressed. These areas include: adult learning, instructional design and future developments in e-learning.

The literature reviewed highlights the importance of learner-centered instructional strategies that use authentic learning experiences, collaboration, and real-world problem solving applications. Continued research is called for to further refine and expand on the best instructional practices. Institutions engaged in distance education need to provide for training …

Adult Learners : Who Are They, And What Do They Need To Succeed?, Antoinette Givens

Graduate Research Papers

The unique learning needs of adults are important. Adult education as identified by the literature is a change of knowledge, attitude, or skill of an individual that performs ,, social roles assigned to the adult population. This literature review addresses the question: (a) who is the adult learner? (b) What are the learning needs of adult learners? (c) What are effective strategies for teaching adult learners?

The adult learner is not fully understood without examining education, andragogy and pedagogy, instructional strategies, motivation, and barriers to learning in adults. This area of research is important to the development of effective adult …

Meeting The Needs Of The Adult Learner In The Instructional Design Environment, Takeisha Henfield

Graduate Research Papers

There are an increasing number of adults who are seeking further education and training for various purposes, ranging from English as a Second Language to doctoral degrees. These adults possess different characteristics and require different conditions than traditional younger learners. In an effort to design effective instruction for adults as learners, the basic instructional design process should be understood. Through that understanding, a taxonomy of instructional design models as well as specific models can be discussed. The knowledge of adults' learning needs, plus an understanding of instructional design and its models, can help instructional designers produce more effective instruction for …

Using Technology To Support An Adult Constructivist Learning Environment, Regina A. Rankins

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to look at the connection between constructivist learning theories and the application of technology in an adult learning environment. The review examines five components consisting of constructivism, the purpose of constructivist learning environments, technologies in constructivist learning environments, adult learning, and the constructivist approach for using technology to support adult learning. This review addresses the question: how does the constructivist approach for using technology support adult learning in a technology-based environment?

The Needs Of The Adult Learner : Typical Characteristics And How It Impacts The Training Process, Joleen W. Siebert

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review was conducted to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the characteristics of the adult learner, and the impact of those characteristics in implementation and training situations in a business environment. The review introduced this researcher to numerous theories, resources, and strategies proven to improve business training activities or programs.

The amount of available research provides evidence that business recognizes quality training must be provided to derive optimum results from training programs for their employees. It also confirms that understanding typical adult learner characteristics will enhance the learning situation when both the course designers and the …

Adult Distance Learners In Distance Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education is a current reality creating new opportunities and challenges for educational institutions, offering students expanded choices in where, when, how and from whom they learn, and making education accessible to a large population, especially for adult learners. This paper intends to present and discuss some of the most current research on the issues which influence adult distance learners' learning process. And help the school administrators, distance course designers and distance instructors to truly understand adult distance learners and their learning needs; design an effective and efficient learning environment and experience; facilitate adult learners' learning, provide learners' support to …

Understanding Brain-Based Instruction And The Technology Connection For Improved Teaching And Learning, Tammy Wawro

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to give educators a brief description of the parts of the brain, the implications of the brain on learning, and an understanding of how technology can help in this way of teaching and learning. Many experienced and well respected brain researcher's works are cited as examples and used as references, including but not limited to Slywester, Jensen, and Kovalik. By utilizing what researchers have found, and integrating their own experience and knowledge, educators can find best practices that will help to promote student learning.

How Telecommunications Is Assisting The United States In Adult Educational Distance Learning Programs, Telemedicine, And Future Applications, Minna Ann Harrison

Graduate Research Papers

The future of telecommunications becomes more unpredictable every passing day. Products and services that were just dreamed of in the past, only six months to a year ago, are here and ready to be used in everyday life. Wireless service has been affected by PCS providers who are offering services to customers that are considerably cheaper. Voice recognition programs/applications were only being bounced around in 1997, but currently are being used at work places and homes. At the 1998 Comdex technology trade show six major software companies were promoting their voice recognition programs.

There are some glitches still. But as …

Androgogy And K-12 Technology Staff Development : Towards Effective Practice, Craig Barnum

Graduate Research Papers

Many K-12 technology staff development programs are based upon pedagogical models. Adult learners require a different set of design and facilitation skills referred to as andragogy. The primary goal of adult education in any arena is to produce independent life long learners. This is particularly valuable in the ever changing realm of technology. To engage this task Knowles and Brookfield each identify six guiding principles that construct a framework for designers and facilitators of adult education programs to follow. The process of meaningfully integrating technology into the schools requires substantial change to current instructional methods. K-12 technology staff development designers …

Intergenerational Education, Alison Sherer

Graduate Research Papers

This study addresses the issue of intergenerational education and its effects on children, the elderly and society in general. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with intergenerational programs were discussed. Guidelines for planning and implementing a successful intergenerational program were outlined and conclusions were drawn from the literature. Recommendations were made for future intergenerational programs.

The Concept Of Self-Directed Learning In Adult Education, Ruth Mwangangi

Graduate Research Papers

The concept of self-directed learning in adult education is still not fully understood. As most scholars do not agree with the theory of andragogy, there is more confusion. However the concept of self-directed learning in adult education in the United States "contains an amazingly rich body of ideas, folk knowledge, bona fide theory and impeccable history" (Courtney, 1992, p. 158). The real question is to understand how self-directed learning motivates the adult learner to perform the various roles as demanded in the society.

Adult Learners : Motivations, Barriers, And Retention, Jill Annette Moe

Graduate Research Papers

Older students often have different needs and experiences than their younger counterparts (Cross, 1981). This paper examines three areas concerning adult students. These include 1) adults' motivations in seeking post-secondary education, 2) the barriers experienced by adult learners, and 3) what assistance adult learners need to successfully complete their educational goals.

Analyzing Student Feedback : A Case Study Of The New Evening Degree Program At Uni, Gary L. Bergen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a case study of student feedback in relation to the new Evening Degree Program at the University of Northern Iowa. This program was instituted in the Fall 1995 semester. The Evening Degree Program is structured to allow one to earn a degree solely by attending classes in the evening. There are currently 19 undergraduate majors from which to choose, 10 minors, 24 graduate majors, and a certificate program.

The comments fell into specific areas such as admissions, academic advising, counseling, support services, programming, or some other area of need. The comments are grouped and then discussed. The …