Engaging and Supporting Adult Working Learners in Online Learning
Presented by:
Jennifer B. Williams, East Carolina University
Kristin Burnette, East Carolina University
Laura H. King, East Carolina University
Keywords:
Online Learning, Adult Working Learners (AWLs), Learner Engagement
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Transcript:
The session “Engaging and Supporting Adult Working Learners in Online Learning” is presented by Jennifer Williams, Kristin Burnette, and Laura King.
With many adult working learners (AWLs) pursuing online learning, an emphasis needs to be placed on how to engage and support these learners to be successful in higher education learning environments. This session presents tips and strategies implemented within a special education licensure program to reinforce three pillars of support: The first pillar is inclusive learning practices with varied materials and flexible assignment options; the second addresses quality interactions between learners, instruction, and content; and the third pillar is practical application and transfer. We invite you to share ideas from your instruction to reduce barriers and increase engagement of Adult Working Learners (AWLs) within your online courses.
Key Statement:
This poster shares strategies to support adult working learners through inclusive practices, quality interactions, and practical application. Join us to discuss reducing barriers in online courses.
Abstract:
With many adult working learners (AWLs) pursuing online learning, an emphasis needs to be placed on how to engage and support them to succeed in higher education learning environments. This session presents tips and strategies implemented within a special education licensure program to reinforce three pillars of support: (1) inclusive learning practices with varied materials and flexible assignment options, (2) quality interactions between learners, instruction, and content, and (3) practical application and transfer (Kaiser et al., 2023). We invite you to share ideas from your instruction to reduce barriers and increase engagement of AWLs within your online courses.
Outcomes:
1. Identify inclusive learning practices with varied materials and flexible assignment options.
2. Describe quality interactions between learners, instruction, and content.
3. Share ideas from your instruction to reduce barriers and increase engagement of AWLs within your online courses.
References:
Denial, C. J. (2024). A Pedagogy of Kindness. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Devlin, M., & McKay, J. (2016). Teaching students using technology: Facilitating success for students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds in Australian universities. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 32(1), 92–106. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.2053
Kaiser, L., McKenna, K., Lopes, T., & Zarestky, J. (2023). Strategies for supporting adult working learners in the online learning environment. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2023, 53–65. https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.20502