Engaging the 55+ Learner in Online Education

Presentation at OTES, San Diego, April 25, 2008

Look quick…The demographics are changing

Internet Demographics (Pew)

Reasons for returning to schoolJob performance enhancementCareer changePersonal enrichment

The Older Learner has challengesPhysical (vision, hearing, mobility, dexterity)Cognitive

Decrease in working memoryDecrease in cognitive speedHarder to perform complex tasksDecrease in concentrationDecrease ability to sort out irrelevant materialNeeds more time to practice and learn

Not to mention technological challengesComputer anxietyLittle experience or training with technologyMay not understand the benefits of useAfraid of “breaking” it

Online offers opportunitiesCommunity of learnersIncreased time to process informationEmphasis off memorization and on applicationAllows less mobile seniors to participateAllows learners to use several ways to learn

Their challenge becomes our challenge

So how to engage the 55+ learner?

Components to success

Course DesignCRAP Variety of delivery methods (2 or more senses)But: minimize extraneous sounds & informationAnd: font large and easily magnifiedColor with care, and no color to convey

meaning, pleaseGraphics to illustrate key points helpAnimations will make learning more livelyPut headings next to pictures, text next to

graphics to keep information coherent

And more designInformation in chunks is niceVariety of delivery methods (2 or more

senses)Self paced instructionSelf directed instructionMinimal technical skillsFun and successful will bring them back

ContentLess is moreRelevant to daily livesBuilds on existing knowledge and experiencesProvides links to references to build

prerequisite knowledge

Live ClassesArea most lacking in current online classesOrganization of topics, follow scheduleDelivered in interesting way, with visuals and

learner interactionInclude facts, applicationsPowerpoints effectiveProvide archives of live classProvide plenty of material to support live classCurrently, live online class may be least

effective way of instruction for older adult

The Learning communityDevelop an interactive discussion board or forum,

with intuitive function and interesting topicsAllow for performance and action in a variety of

other modes (chat, quizzes, blogs)Encourage sharing (photos, documents)Extensive use of e-mail for communication with

class and instructorEncourage interactions during live classGroup projects that encourage collaborative

learning

Assignments and projectsClearly defined and well structuredRequire a minimum of background

knowledge, but also provides information needed

Provides opportunity to practice with feedback before real thing is due

Provides examples and non examplesProvides references and templates as needed

Class activitiesUse a variety of different types to target

different ways of learningActivities should easily blend into course

designRange from passive to active, from self paced

to group, from facts to discovery learning

And then some tips

InteractiveOlder adults learn by doing: Provide relevant

problem solving activitiesOlder adults learn better with goal free tasksProvide worked examples with immediate

reinforcementProvide multiple opportunities to practice with

different scenarios Passive to active

Build on existing knowledgeWhere possible, tie in experiences that they

may be familiar withCreate ways for learner to infuse own

experiences and interests into classTie in course to learner, and how it will help

them to meet individual needs & objectivesProvide plenty of examples, references and

links in a variety of delivery modes

RelevantProvide relevant facts and data which pertain

to the current topicIrrelevant information, when provided, should

be clearly identified as supplemental

Conclusion

A successful learning experience for all

THANK YOU!Mary Burns Prine

Associate ProfessorSan Diego Community College District

Continuing Education, Older Adultsmprine@sdccd.edu