The Technology Context

Technology has been infused into the world around us, so much so that one now has to rethink how learning takes place, and the educator must consider how technology impacts their teaching. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is connecting the world, whether the person is across the street or on the other side of the world, one has the ability to communicate and participate in society with the use of technology. Technology has allowed for learning to take place on a global basis as well because CMC is more accessible today than ever before.

Distance learning can be traced back to the 1840s when correspondence courses began being offered. Later instructional radio and TV became available and now we have access to the Internet, which offers a wide range of educational resources. Formal education via the Internet can be delivered in a number of ways: blended or hybrid, fully online, synchronous, or asynchronous. The learner can choose the delivery method that best meets their learning needs. The various types of e-learning delivery are not new, but have developed as a result of more available resources and increased access, and increased access has increased the demand for e-learning.

Even though the use of technology has grown exponentially over the years, there are still areas of the world with limited or no access. This lag in access to technology is mainly noted in developing countries, such as Africa and Asia. In the United States, access to technology is mainly affected by age, income, and education. Resolving the issue of fair and equitable access to technology for all is a global concern that needs to be addressed.

Adult Learners in the Digital Age

One advantage of easy access to CMC is that it promotes life-long learning. In order for learners to benefit from online learning they must have the skill to use the technology, an open attitude toward learning, be prepared and interested in learning, and belong to online communities that encourage positive social interaction. Online learning has been found to provide both skill development and professional growth among users; however, with the fast-paced changes that occur in the field of technology today, the online learner can be faced with the challenge of having to learn the newest of technologies as they evolve.

As noted previously, the online learner can be engaged in both formal and informal learning online. Informal learning can take place by researching information on any given topic, whereas formal learning can occur when the learner enrolls in a formal education course. Employers have also taken advantage of the online learning environment. Many employers provide cost-effective education to thousands of employees via the Internet. Regardless of the context of the learning, all online learning is unbound by location and time.

The one big question that online learning raises is, is it effective learning? Many studies have concluded that online learning is effective. However, one of the biggest challenges associated with online learning is student’s retention. Attrition rates are much higher in online education programs. Literacy, time management, reading, writing and online communication skills can affect the abilities of the online learner to remain in a program. Additionally, social constraints can also be a problem affecting retention. These problems can range from the job and/or family responsibilities, unanticipated illness, finances, etc., although these challenges are similar to what adults would face in a traditional classroom environment as well.

The online learning environment offers a lot of advantages, but one must be aware of concerns associated with being active on the Internet. First of all, users of the internet must be aware of and avoid involvement in Internet crimes, such as theft, stalking, cyberbullying, etc. Second, one must be aware of how the Internet has decreased the learner’s ability to concentrate. With frequent and swiftly moving content coming across the screen, online users have become accustomed to obtaining bits of information rather than seeking depth to any given information or story. Additionally, individuals find themselves connected or online quite frequently. Hence, experts recommend that the online learner participates in seven mental activities to help unplug. These include focus time (working on a goal-oriented task), play time (spontaneous and creative activities), connecting time (engaging with others), physical time (exercise), time in (reflection), downtime (unfocused, mind wandering), and sleep time.

The Teaching-Learning Context of the Digital Age

Most any information a learner is seeking today is available online. However, one must be cautious, as not all information available via the Internet is accurate or reliable. The consumer of information, or the learner, must develop skills such as using effective search strategies, critically evaluating the information found, and utilizing reputable Internet sources in order to trust the information that is found.

It is evident that technology is affecting education. It affects what is learned, how it is learned and how it is taught. Due to the constant changes and advancements in technology, both learners and educators must stay up to date regarding new information, products, and devices as they become available. This can prove to be challenging at times, but it is necessary for mobile apps, tablets, and smartphones have become the means of accessing information. Currently, apps exist for adult learning topics from literacy, to foreign languages, to math; and more and more, teaching apps will be accessible for use in the classroom to supplement teaching.

Games have always been a useful way to augment learning. Now electronic game-based learning is available and it has been proven to enhance learning and knowledge retention as compared to traditional lecture-based teaching. It is evident that electronic learning opportunities are everywhere, and come in the form of continuing education, fun/entertainment, and formal degree acquisition. These e-learning opportunities are attractive to the adult learner due to their convenience and flexibility.

One andragogical idea that has come from the utilization of CMC is the flipped classroom. This idea of teaching supports the adult education values of active learner engagement and self-direction. The flipped classroom allows the educator to be more of a facilitator. The educator allows students to discuss what has been learned and is able to detect errors in the student’s understanding and application of concepts that the student studied previously to entering the classroom. The flipped classroom also allows for more one-to-one interactions with the educator and the learner; however, students may mourn the loss of the traditional in-class lecture format if this technique is utilized.