Engaging the Adult Learner Online

Presenter(s)
Ruby Evans (Strayer University, US)
Iris Champion (Southern University at Shreveport, US)
Mary Hair Collins, Ph.D. (Strayer University, US)
Session Information
November 5, 2010 - 11:55am
Track: 
Faculty Development and Support
Areas of Special Interest: 
Online Learning and Community Colleges
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Theory/Conceptual Framework
Institutional Level: 
Institution
Audience Level: 
Multiple
Session Type: 
Individual Presentation
Location: 
Bonaire 4
Session Duration: 
35
Concurrent Session: 
8
Abstract

A thorough review of the literature is presented as it pertains to adult learning theory. The presentation then examines a variety of teaching and learning strategies that are best suited for use with adult learners in online settings.
Extended Abstract
The literature indicates that the needs and expectations of adult learners are different from those of traditional-aged students. In the past decade, contemporary higher education has seen an influx of adult learners. These students report to the classroom setting with a plethora of invaluable life experiences, but equally diverse needs as adult learners. This presentation shares a variety of teaching and learning strategies that are likely to create a climate of inclusiveness and achievement for adult learners. Moreover, these strategies bode well for enhancing adult learners' information fluency and higher-order critical thinking skills. While emphases is given to teaching adult learners online, multiple strategies are equally viable for on ground, synchronous teaching and learning.
Final Presentation: 
Lead Presenter

Dr. Ruby Evans has faculty and administrative experiences that span nearly 27 years, K-20 education, and institutional settings, including the two-year college, the traditional (on ground university), and the online university. Dr Evans has also served as an invited keynote speaker and educational consultant, both domestically, and internationally, including Canada and the Caribbean.