Adult Online Learning: Trends and Issues

Online education is a trend that has increasingly spanned the learning environment. From online high schools to college courses to post-graduate degrees, online options have provided individuals with effective alternate methods of seeking education. For adult learners seeking skills training, technical education or certification, adult online learning has proved to be a valuable, convenient way to expand your skills-set.

Not sure if adult online learning is the right choice for you? Learn more about the benefits of web-based education by exploring these adult eLearning trends.

eLearning trends are expanding to career and technical learning.
While many people think of online education as predominantly focused in postsecondary environments, such as college courses, it’s begun to take on a larger role in career and technical education as well, according to a report published in the International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies.
Blended learning helps to broaden horizons.
According to United States Distance Learning Association, blended learning is increasingly being used in classrooms to help students broaden their horizons. Blended learning enables students to combine traditional learning with online work to earn a stronger overall grasp of the topic being covered.
Instruction is becoming more self-directed and learner-centered.
According to a report published in the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, education is shifting its approach from a lecture-centered platform to a self-directed approach that emphasizes students’ responsibility for their own learning. This approach is often present in adult online learning programs and courses, which frequently enable students to learn at their own pace and in their own time.
Online education is as respected as in-person.
A 2011 report from the Babson Survey Research Group found that 67 percent of academic leaders rated learning outcomes in online education as the same or superior to those in face-to face.
Convenience is key.
A 2008 report by Eduventures, Inc., revealed that scheduling was among the top three leading criterion adult learners considered when selecting a course or program. Online courses, which are often self-paced, enable learners to manage their own schedules when taking a course.

Health Ed Solutions (HES) offers a variety of courses that will help you capitalize on adult eLearning trends to earn needed healthcare certifications. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) initial certification courses are blended learning options that allow students to take the cognitive portion of the certification course online, and require an in-person skills check with an American Heart Association instructor. Recertification courses can be completed entirely online.

HES also offers part one of the American Heart Association’s HeartCode® ACLS course, the cognitive portion of the three-part course. The course offers 10 realistic patient scenarios, a team dynamics lesson and a written exam. Parts two and three, which must be completed with an American Heart Association instructor or voice-assisted manakin system, requires healthcare professionals to practice their skills and complete a skills check. Course participants must complete all three portions of the course before receiving their official AHA ACLS provider card.