Melissa,
This is a good feature to include in the student orientation which many institutions require of their students.
Renee Shaffer
Some students might feel intimidated by this. Not only older students but also students that might not be tech savvy. I think that the best approach would be to have on line schools offer some sort of tutorial or lecture on using active learning skills.
Many older online students have a great deal of fear based on the technology component. If they were like me we learned using a typewriter and not a keyboard. If the student does not feel comfortable with technology then that is the first fear. The next issue might be the fact that there is a sense of being alone. As an older learner the student was taught with a traditional teacher in front of the class and questions could be asked immediately. The challenge is showing the students that yes the teacher is still there and can be asked questions just in a different way. If you can show the students that you have a presence in the classroom, then the student will become familiar with the online environment, and realize that they will not learn everything in one day but will become more comfortable over time.
Patricia Tyhurst
Adam,
Well said! Everyone is so different.
Renee Shaffer
In my experience I find that the attitude of the older student varies from person to person. A slight majority of those individuals seem to need extra assistance due to lack of understanding, and or having been shaken by the tech age, while others are able to pick up and go with the best of the young ones!
Veronica,
Yes, that is very true. The older student can be very tech savvy and the younger set can not have those attributes. You never know.
Renee Shaffer
There are various contributing factors to the feelings of an older online student as it pertains to active learning techniques in an online environment. Some older students may be technologically savvy while others may be challenged. For those that are very familiar with technology the thought of active learning in an online environment may be exciting. Overall, the thought process will vary on a individual student basis.
Amos,
Yes, so many students have always been in passive learning environments and it may take more coaxing for them to enjoy the courses.
Renee Shaffer
I see the active learning as Maybe Gen Y learning that places a lot more emphasis on the student getting a lot more responsibility for their own learning.
But it is to me just making the student more active in the learning, especially online learners. I can see this as stimulating to the student, hopefully the older learner can see the need for additional cognitive stimulation.
It might be an adjustment initially. But they may also find it mirrors their real-life experience since active learning is more a reflection of the type of learning we encounter everday.
lisa,
It may have been a long time since they were in school.
Renee Shaffer
They may not feel prepared and be a little confused or lost to the techniques if they've never used them before.
I agree with several of the others that have posted here, in that it depends on the individual. Some older learners are really going to enjoy active learning, as it is more interactive. These individuals will be ones that don't like or get bored with the traditional lecture and memorize model, which may be why they didn't go to school in the past. Other older learners may be a bit intimidated. These individuals need clear instructions on what is expected, some hints for success, and checking in on them to see how things are going to increase their comfort level.
Janis,
Active learning really means that the learning also has to come from the student's side of the equation. It is not just the instructor pushing things like content to the student. The student can actively find things on the internet, do practice tests, play games, etc. anything that will activate their minds about the content. It is more than just passive learning where students basically sit their and wait for the content to be pushed to them.
And most students are unware of this type of learning and may be scared of it. :(
Renee Shaffer
They might feel nervous about that. What does 'active learning' mean - it is not a known term for an older student. They might wonder if they have the right kind of technology for this type of learning.
To explain it in user-friendly terms and non-threatening terms AND making it clear the advantages of this type of learning are, would be key as an older student starts this process.
Jan
It could certainly be a little challenging or scary for that person, especially if they have been out of the education/training field for some time. The instructor would play a key role in guiding and bringing a sence of calmness to that student.
I think an older\mature student will feel excited about active learning because they have age\life experiences and can share that information collaboratively with fellow classmates. Sharing their experiences well allow the older student to be engaged with assignment\discussion assignments. The older learning will be participating in a cooperative learning environment.
Shundra Mosby
eric,
Good point. All ages can have different points of view when it comes to work mentality and success mentality.
Renee Shaffer
Hi Mrs. Shaffer
Online student mentality: he doesn't mater about the age but will depend on the mindset of the student but teacher approached during the course may impact the shift work mentality and success of the student
Eric Andre
Stella,
So true. The older online student usually has so much to offer and welcome the engagement.
Renee Shaffer
