Week 5

In a world that is ever changing and advancing, the impact of technology can best be exhibited in our growing dependence upon it on a daily basis.  Society is becoming ever dependent on technology from cell phones to broad band mobile networks connecting users virtually round the globe.  The impact of technology on adult learning is just as profound.  Adult learners enjoy taking on the responsibility of their own learning, and when properly guided and prepared for a learning experience they are quite capable of achieving a high level of competency (Johnson, nd). With the integration of technology, those once inhibited by barriers preventing them from continuing their learning are now liberated and able to increase their learning opportunities.

Before incorporating technology into the online learning environment, online instructors have several factors to consider including the adult user’s comfort level with the necessary technology.  Prior  to the incorporation of technology, one should be familiar with the learner and their ability to access and benefit from it. As stated by EducationWorld (2013) most educational technology experts agree that technology should be integrated, not as a separate entity or as a once-in-awhile project, but as a tool to promote and extend student learning on a daily basis.  Online users should be given the time to gain experience in using and integrating technology.

For the adult learner participating in online classes, usability and accessibility of the necessary technologies is paramount to their continued success and attendance in such an experience.  It has been through my own trials and tribulations while taking online courses that I have discovered a wealth of sites as well as uses of technology that I otherwise would never have put forth the effort to learn how to use.  Currently, I am working on completing my third degree from an online school and have, through these courses, been exposed to a plethora of internet technologies. 

When first attempting to integrate the new technologies I was often frustrated and doubtful, which I now attribute to the learning curve as I was trying to learn and utilize these technologies all at the same time with little previous knowledge or hands-on practice.  Because of having to collaborate in a virtual environment to be successful in specific courses, I am now confident and comfortable in using the internet and tools such as Skype, Google docs., wikis, blogs. Additionally, I have learned the importance of integrating technology and teaching users how to use such tools and I incorporate technology into my lessons as much as possible so that the students I teach learn how to use the tools provided through practice and hands-on projects.

The one area I feel limited in is having students work in online collaborative groups as we meet daily face-to-face and several students do not have access to internet or a device to use to connect.  While in an adult learning setting, I can expect the learners to solve this by using the local library or school computer labs, my current students are only middle school age, and would have to rely on others to get to places so they could collaborate online.

EducationWorld (2013).  Integrating technology in  the classroom:  It takes more than just having computers. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml.

Johnshon, M. (nd).  Adult learners and technology:  How to deliver effective instruction and overcome barriers to learning.  San Jose State University.