4 Effective Strategies for Engaging the New Consumer Learner
Engaging the 55+ Learner in Online Education
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Transcript of 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 [email protected]