As a mature student who has recently returned to university I am witnessing significant changes in how education is delivered in this new industrial age. Quite disruptive.
Many adult learners are enrolled in online programs such as Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (PIDP) at Vancouver Community College.
And recently completed my MBA and was the desire to teach I enrolled in this program. It was only possible because it offered part-time online that aligned with my busy schedule.
Many adult learners are working professionals. They look into continuing education options to expand their skill-sets to become more marketable to employers (Revzin & Revzin, 2020). They state: “… the mere fact that so many colleges and universities were able to successfully convert to remote instruction essentially overnight should challenge our assumptions about what kind of change is possible.”
Revzin & Revzin (2020) notes, “the rise in demand for graduate education has only driven the cost up, with the average cost of a Master’s degree today ranging from $30,000 to $120,000.”
I was considered a number of Executive MBA programs. I checked with SFU and Queens University. However, Royal Roads University MBA program for me was the best option. The degree cost was about $70,000 which included tuition fees, textbooks, writing coach fees, boarding and lodging for short-term residencies, travel (ferry, gas, and parking) costs, and wage loss for time missed from work during residencies.
Although many adult learners are interested in pursuing for graduate programs but they face financial hardship to start these programs. They still have options to get financing from educational institutions or banks. They may even turn to their families to borrow money as they would not have pay interest.
In summary, trends in Adult Education have advanced toward technological advancement over the years. This offers flexibility for learners to enroll in programs while they are working and committed to their families. This would make them more marketable to their current and future employers.
What implications will these trends have for educators over the coming years? How will you prepare for such trends?
- I would prepare and deliver curriculum on Moodle and move away from traditional lecture-based teaching techniques. I would also add collaborative activities so my leaners can engage class discussions online.
- I would offer few courses in blended-delivery that they would be available online and in-class settings.
- I would encourage learners to practice self-reflection, and assess their own performance to become self-directed learners.
- I would ask students to provide feedback for improvements so I could make necessary changes to align with learners’ needs.
What do you think? ,,,
Reference:
Revzin, S. & Revzin, V. (2020, May 18). How Remote Learning Is Changing The Future Of Adult Education. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/sergeirevzin/2020/05/18/how-remote-learning-is-changing-the-future-of-adult-education/?sh=71d79957559d
