I have found this great article talking about upcoming trends in Adult Education. Granted, this is from 2013, however, the trends it
speaks of are still relevant and evolving.
Nobody can discount the importance of technology in education these days, or the fact that the use of technology in the classroom
is continually growing. Courses such as PID 3100, the foundation course of the British Columbia Provincial Instructor Diploma,
incorporate blogging as well as online collaboration from the very beginning.
For many, the idea of online learning has met with resistance as people sometimes feel that there can be a personal disconnect
when learning in such a manner. Resources such as Skype, Google Hang-outs and even Facebook can help to alleviate this
disconnect when incorporated into classes in a measured way. By giving students the tools to learn in a social way, even when
online, we are allowing them to utilize their differing learning styles and experiences as well as providing access to learning that they
might not have the chance to take part in other wise.
From personal experience I have seen many of my students reach a plateau in their language acquisition as they often find it
difficult or unnerving to practice English outside of the classroom. By giving them access to websites where they can interact with
either native speakers of English or non-native proficient speakers of English I can incorporate English practice outside of the
classroom for my students in a safe, non-threatening manner.
Technology in the classroom is not going away, and as we know, adults learn and respond in many different ways. We as adult
educators need to embrace and incorporate these changes and evolving technologies if we are to keep up with our student’s needs.
speaks of are still relevant and evolving.
Nobody can discount the importance of technology in education these days, or the fact that the use of technology in the classroom
is continually growing. Courses such as PID 3100, the foundation course of the British Columbia Provincial Instructor Diploma,
incorporate blogging as well as online collaboration from the very beginning.
For many, the idea of online learning has met with resistance as people sometimes feel that there can be a personal disconnect
when learning in such a manner. Resources such as Skype, Google Hang-outs and even Facebook can help to alleviate this
disconnect when incorporated into classes in a measured way. By giving students the tools to learn in a social way, even when
online, we are allowing them to utilize their differing learning styles and experiences as well as providing access to learning that they
might not have the chance to take part in other wise.
From personal experience I have seen many of my students reach a plateau in their language acquisition as they often find it
difficult or unnerving to practice English outside of the classroom. By giving them access to websites where they can interact with
either native speakers of English or non-native proficient speakers of English I can incorporate English practice outside of the
classroom for my students in a safe, non-threatening manner.
Technology in the classroom is not going away, and as we know, adults learn and respond in many different ways. We as adult
educators need to embrace and incorporate these changes and evolving technologies if we are to keep up with our student’s needs.