Week-1 Weekly Learning Journal

I am interested in designing a workshop/training for adult learners use of technology. The proliferation of technology and online learning has created a wealth of learning opportunities for adult learners. As more and more adult learners seek to gain knowledge through formal and informal training delivered through self-paced distance learning, barriers to learning continue to come up. Many adults are frustrated by the learning system due to a lack of prior experience with technology and assistance from instructors. Preparing adult learners to utilize technology involved in the educational environment will allow them to succeed and foster positive attitude towards technology and learning. Society today is becoming increasingly dependent on all forms of technology for daily functioning. Educators need to understand the needs of adult learners, their motivation, expectations, and experience level. The learners that would attend this workshop/training are learners who have been out of high school/college for at least 7 years, learners who are not comfortable with new or existing technology and learners who are looking to use new technology for a careers change or new job responsibility. This is a great workshop for adult learners with careers that have an ever changing technology use. Their ‘adult learner’ characteristics are low confidence with technology application, struggle with learning new task that involve technology, and an overall negative attitude towards change.

 Learning elements that I will keep in mind for designing the workshop are:

a.     Adult learning is self-directed/autonomous

        I need to make sure that Students are given the freedom to assume responsibility for their own choices. When it comes to workload, I also need to be proactive in making decisions and in contributing to the process.

b.     Adult learning utilizes knowledge & life experiences
I must encourage learners to connect their past experiences with their current   knowledge-base and activities. I will teach ways to bring to their past knowledge, opinions, and experiences.

c.      Adult learning is practical

        I will help students to apply the theoretical concepts learned inside the classroom into real-life situations. I will identify appropriate ways and convert theoretical learning to practical activities