Interest in older adult education (OAE) is intensifying for several reasons. The number of older adults in Canada is growing, increasing the proportion of older people in the population. Many older adults are now more active and want creative challenges, opportunities to learn, and chances to contribute to their community. In turn, cognitive and…

In 1997 the British Columbia Open University (BCOU) adopted a virtualization strategy based primarily on twinning off-line independent study distance education courses (textbook-based with study guide and telephone and e-mail tutor support) with alternate online versions (textbook-based with integrated conferencing and communications provided…

Project REDEAL (Research and Evaluation of Distance Education for the Adult Learner) has designed a three-semester system for distance education. Design features have been recommended to maximize personal learner success as well as to have an impact on indicators of success. The individualized instructional environment recommended is a specific…

The East-West project was designed to provide Canadian adult learners, particularly learning professionals, with the opportunity to complete a Web-based course. Four provinces participated in examining different approaches to implementing accredited programs for adults that would be accessible in the workplace, at home, in schools, and in…

The Niagara Falls Secondary School Family Learning Program targets young disadvantaged parents and their preschool children for family literacy development that focuses on parent-child literacy and social interaction. Guidelines for program development include establishing partnerships based on a shared vision of family literacy, developing plans…

Based on the experiences of teachers of adult continuing education, this manual was developed to introduce adult educators to the field and the practice of adult education, especially in universities. The book is organized in seven chapters, each containing practical material along with observations of the adult educators. The introductory chapter…

The problem of adult illiteracy in Canada is now accepted as socially significant, whether defined in terms of numbers, impact on the economy, or implications for the future. A reasonable estimate would be that one in five Canadian adults has a severe enough problem with reading, writing, or arithmetic that his or her functioning in society is to…

A study collected information about research on adult education conducted in Canada from 1983-1988 and identified themes that emerged from the research studies, projects, and activities. Sources of information searched were electronic databases, bibliographic compilations of reports and articles in adult education and related fields, journals, and…

Women's educational needs and the viability of postsecondary institutions are inextricably bound. Women are in transition. Increasingly entering the labor force, women see postsecondary institutions as a means of accomplishing new occupational goals. Now a postsecondary student majority, they are, because of their age, part-time status, and large…

Women's access programs and services are needed to overcome the effects of women's isolation and lack of information about educational opportunities. The favored mechanism for the delivery of women's access programs and services is the Women's Resources Centre model. The center extends women's access programs and services. These programs and…

This book contains the following papers about the role and activities of Canada's universities in continuing education: "Introduction" (Brooke, Waldron); "Continuing Education and the Canadian Mosaic" (Selman); "Philosophical Issues in Continuing Education" (Selman); "Improving Support Services for Adult…