web1_MacDowell-Michael.jpg

Their view: To cut or not to cut. That is the question

web1_119325941-11e6f8fb5ad340c98c3f1c3f219c811b.jpg

Senate OKs tax bill as Trump, GOP near big legislative win

<p>Online learning continues to be hot.</p><p>Nationwide, colleges and universities are reporting tremendous growth in adult students taking classes online instead of working toward their degrees via the more traditional brick-and-mortar format, according to a recent study published by Aslanian Market Research.</p><p>In nine short years, the profile of the adult learner has changed dramatically, according to the study. With an average age of 29, less than one-third of these students who consider themselves tech-savvy, prefer classroom-based study. In 2006, the average age of this target audience was 35.</p><p>Adult learners have other unique characteristics and preferences that separate them from the traditional 18-year-olds fresh out of high school. Adult students juggle full-time jobs, and family and social responsibilities that are typical for their demographic, while simultaneously seeking to advance their careers by completing their chosen program of study in the most affordable and convenient way possible. The combination of employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement and adult-friendly tuition pricing significantly reduces expenses for adult learners.</p><p>Online study comes with its challenges, though, particularly for those who have been away from the classroom for a number of years. You have to consider that many adults have never taken a course online. Therefore, they sometimes find it difficult to meet the technical requirements of the course. Colleges and universities must provide tools that prepare students to overcome these and similar issues. In order to succeed, students need proper online support.</p><p>Adults also face hurdles with time management, especially when you consider other external forces demanding their time and attention. It is vitally important for institutions of higher education to state clearly the expectations for courses and to have time management techniques embedded in course syllabi to help students mitigate these issues.</p><p>Colleges and universities that address these specific areas of concern will demonstrate improved learning outcomes and higher retention, while enabling students to graduate sooner &#8211; realizing a savings in both cost and time. It is particularly important for institutions that have experienced staggering growth in online learners to examine how instructional material is engineered so it meets the needs of the adult learner specifically.</p><p>Misericordia University&#8217;s Center for Adult and Continuing Education understands the challenges adult learners face as they work diligently to advance their careers and earning potential. By recognizing the challenges adult learners face in the online learning world, Misericordia has designed academic courses that engage students by making them learning centered instead of instructor centered. Therefore, the online learning community at Misericordia focuses on student-to-student, student-to-content, and student-to-instructor engagement.</p><p>While we have found that there is no single formula for success, there is a need for a true understanding of the adult learner, which in turn helps us design and deliver courses that consider the many learning styles of adults. Misericordia&#8217;s approach effectively embeds adult learners in the learning process and fully engages them in active, rather than passive learning.</p><p>The result is improved learning outcomes, student success, and increased student retention.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Nardone-2c-Paul.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Nardone-2c-Paul.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Grilli-2c-Joe.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Grilli-2c-Joe.jpg</photo1><caption1></caption1><photoCredit1></photoCredit1></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Joseph J. Grilli</p><p>Guest Columnist</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Joseph J. Grilli, M.P.A., D.P.A., director, Corporate and Institutional Recruitment, and Paul M. Nardone, M.S., director, Center for Adult and Continuing Education, work at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., the oldest four-year institution of higher education in Luzerne County.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Effective student support key to online learners’ success