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New Learning Opportunities for Adult Learners Essay

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New Learning Opportunities for Adult Learners

The concept of adults as learners emerged both in this country and in Europe shortly after World War I; however, only in the last few decades has the theory of adult learning matured. Knowles, Tough, Houle, and Park, among others, have written extensively on the idea of the adult learner. In Tennant's book (1997), he discussed Knowles' adult learning theory. Knowles used the term andragogy to label adult learning theory. The andragogical model of the adult learner is based on the assumptions that adults need to know; adults have a need to be self-directed learners and have a self-concept of being responsible for their own decisions and for their own lives; adults bring reservoirs of …show more content…

It is a popular and useful instructional medium for a number of reasons. It is easily accessible, it supports flexible storage and display options, it provides a simple yet powerful publishing format and a means to incorporate multiple media elements (Henke,1997). The possibilities of Web-based instructions are boundless and seems to have the potential to meet the needs of adult learners.

The WWW can provide stimulating material to enhance and enrich the learning experience by using graphics, sound, video and virtual environments. It supports learning in 'own space, own pace, and own time' (Henke,1997). It has limitless possibilities of interactive computer multimedia instruction. The potential benefits include personalized instruction, active learning, instant feedback, real world simulation, as well as faster and more effective teaching and empowerment of learners (McManus, 1995). With all these benefits, WWW as an instruction delivery medium can indeed enhance learning and meet the needs of adult learners. In addition, media are not mere vehicles that deliver instruction but they are important components of the learning process. Studies have shown certain media attributes are necessary for specific learning tasks, learning situations, and learners' characteristics.

Web-based learning provides flexibility,

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