Younger students tend to be more familiar with the technology used in online instruction, but that doesn't mean they're more successful in virtual courses.
In a recent Inside Higher Ed article (http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/instant_mentor/weir7), online teacher Rob Weir argues that older students make better online learners:
"Younger students love the idea of online courses, but they are often the worst students -- despite their greater facility with technology. Yahoo! runs ads for 'Why online college is rocking,' and that’s part of the problem. Online education is being sold as if it’s for everyone, when those finding real success are those who are self-motivated, highly organized, and in possession of well-developed study habits?...Younger students approach online classes as if they’re just another 'cool' thing to do on the Web. Be prepared to badger them if you want them to get through your course."
Students with experience meeting deadlines are certainly at an advantage. But, I'd argue that most young students are beyond enrolling in a program because they think it's 'cool.'
Do you think age is a determinant in online learning success? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
To view Jamie’s article on About.com – click here (http://distancelearn.about.com/b/2009/05/18/are-older-students-better-at-learning-online.htm)
We all strive to achieve a “balance” in our lives; juggling our career and our family but does anyone really ever achieve it? I recently attended a seminar discussing the art of balancing career and family. The speaker touched on quite a few points that hit home but more importantly she showed by example that you can have it all as long as you’re willing to put forth the necessary effort.
As I left the seminar, I began examining my own life’s goals and achievements. Have I exceeded my own expectations, have I been able to “check off” items from my life’s to-do list? Sure. I graduated from college, I married my college sweetheart, I have 1.5 children, and a career! And yet, I want more. Wow – how selfish am I? I have dreams of going back to school, furthering my education and my career but I have this voice that screams “No! You’ll never see your family, your friends, or anyone for that matter!” Really? Whatever happened to the old saying, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”??? I had lost all hope and simply crossed off the “better your education” item on my to-do list.
But now I have a renewed faith! I can have a great career; I can further my education and still have a life. How? Well, I have Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals, Clorox Clean-up Wipes, and the freedom of an online education! They allow me more time with my son, my husband, my friends (and me, too). I can bang out a meal in 30 minutes and still have time for my son and husband. I can go out to dinner with the girls and not worry about missing a class or test. I can basically study whenever, wherever, and however I want. Yes, I AM SUPERMOM! Well, maybe not. I may never achieve that “perfect balance” in my life but who will? All I know is that I now have the chance to make things happen FOR ME and I’m taking it.
At 9:15 I remember that there was a time when breakfast was my favorite meal of the day; that was when I didn't have to wake up at 7:30 to eat. Now, breakfast is a luxury that I can only dream of, except when I come home on the weekends. While I certainly don't mind sitting in a world literature class every Monday morning, something tells me there is another way I can go about getting my degree without having to give up my cereal habit. Of course, I can always live the college lifestyle of eating a half tray of pizza every other night and sleeping in the clothes that I'll wear to class the next morning, but right now that just doesn't appeal to me.
So what does appeal to me?
What appeals to me is being able to make my own schedule. What appeals to me is not having to plan my day around when I will be able to eat cafeteria hoagies, and still get the degree that I need to get the job I want. If I were at home, I would be able to work on my own time, whenever I feel most comfortable. Would a bowl of cereal in the morning and a cup of coffee on my desk make my learning experience more enjoyable? Absolutely. Would reading at my own pace help me collect information better? Absolutely. It's not campus life that I'm looking to make the most of: it's my life.
Contributing blogger: Adam M.