Changing Perspectives in Online Learning

When we think of online learning, we think of this concept as brand new in the world of academia. Granted it is a fairly new approach to learning, it is only about 20 years old, even greater changes have emerged in the integration of technology into the conventional learning environment. As educators and practitioners, we should understand the needs and challenges of learner shifts, and as they shift, so too should the means and methods of teaching learners change.

There have been some significant strides in online education and the proliferation of adult learning online since the early 1990’s. Though some methods are still the same, such as uploading assignments, web conferencing, email, and asynchronous chat, many software programs have cropped up to expand on the concept of online collaborative learning. More adult learners are embracing the concept of learning outside of the classroom and programs like BlackBoard, SyberWorks and Helius have enabled online learning to explode across many disciplines and professional development programs.

As the needs and obligations of adult learners expand and time and space issues become more pressing, the need for technology based learning becomes a necessity. With the emergence of hand held devices as a primary means of communicating, adult learners are looking for more accessibility through PDA’s like their Palm Pre, BlackBerry and IPhone when they are on the go. I call this concept “mobile learning”. As we move rapidly through the technology age, and students become more tech savvy and sophisticated, one might conclude students will embrace this concept as an alternative to traditional college courses or as a tool in professional development.