As part of an evolutionary approach to extending and enhancing the online learning experience for adult students in the LMS-based online college courses that I teach, I have been introducing learning activities that use social media and mobile devices. However, realizing that student adoption of mobile devices with data plans such as smartphones…

Digital games have the potential to create active and engaging environments for learning, supporting problem-solving, communication and group activities, as well as providing a forum for practice and learning through failure. The use of game techniques such as gradually increasing levels of difficulty and contextual feedback support learning, and…

This article examines how four teachers of ESOL selected and used instructional materials in courses for adult refugees and new migrants. To date, scholarly literature on this topic has largely comprised advice about the principles of teaching and second language learning on which materials should be based, and on-going debate about the merits and…

Provides an overview of research findings related to self-directed learning and discusses materials for teaching self-directedness and their use with self-directed learners. (JOW)

Rules for designing distance degree outreach materials for adult learners include adopting a positive attitude, realizing that money matters, recognizing college as a career quest, providing easy and responsive access, and providing a preparatory academy. Practical considerations include assessing current materials and involving frontline…

Gives advice for the correspondence course instructor on profiling students, structuring the course, preparing study guides, and encouraging adult learners. (SK)

Discusses how to design interactive video materials for adult learners. Highlights include capabilities of interactive video; characteristics of adult learners; allowing adults to set their own goals; establishing a need to know; linking new information to prior knowledge; and individual responsibility for learning.(LRW)

Adult language learners have specific learning goals that reflect their lives within a global society, and adults negotiate multiple and changing identities throughout their personal, academic, and professional lives. Chapters in "Authenticity in the Language Classroom and Beyond: Adult Learners" highlight how teachers have the ability…

Offers reasons for the declining literacy rate of new military recruits and makes suggestions for improving performance ratings in military training. Recommendations include visually attractive presentations, simple language, performance testing, a relaxed learning environment and feedback, and addressing the learner as an adult. (MER)

Designed to provide a broad picture of the state of instructional television for adults and to identify major issues relating to instructional telecourses, this reader presents 50 articles in seven categories relating to the production and distribution of telecourses. Section I presents six articles on the growth in the use of telecourses, which…

This guide to writing material that will be read by new readers focuses on making the material readable, relevant, and effective. The first section of the guide gives an overview of this process, and addresses the following aspects of writing for new readers: (1) determining the audience and its interests; (2) elements of effective written…

This guide contains an overview and procedures for the development of three sound slide/tape programs--Application Process, Academic Advising Process, and Registration Process. The tapes are intended to enhance the factors that facilitate, and to moderate the influence of those that impede, adults in negotiating the admissions process. Their…

Describes Australian Catholic University's indigenous education program that was developed to serve the education needs of mature-aged Aboriginal people, particularly to train teachers and assistants. Topics include course delivery, a model for supported learning using information technology, user characteristics;, interactivity, organizational…

To apply promotional techniques and measure the impact and response on target adult basic education (ABE) enrollment, a project focused on (1) increasing awareness of adult education programs, (2) successful recruitment techniques; and (3) development of professional relationships with referral agencies. Activities included development of a slide…

Describes a systematic method for producing pictures to accompany textual instructional materials. The resulting instructional design model is then used in an attribute by treatment interaction study of post-secondary school students that was designed to investigate the role of analogical pictures in adult learners' acquisition of higher level…