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Showing posts from January, 2017

Technophobia and the Adult Learner

          The term technophobia can be defined as the fear or dislike of technology.  Technophobia is a highly researched phobia and can also be “culturally or religiously induced” (Olesen, 2013).  Most Adult Learners “Digital Immigrants” (Prensky, 2001) who have not had access to technology as it has developed often view technology through a technophobic lens (Dimick, 2015).  At the root of technophobia is the fact that Adult Learners are not ignorant, they just do not understand technology which results in their reaction to shun its use (Olesen, 2013).  Adult Learners who are affected by technophobia experience panic, reluctance or refusal to use technology, and criticize it.  Consequently, technophobia affects an Adult Learners ability to learn in an online learning environment.  To ease or eradicate technophobia in Adult Learning instructors should be informed and prepared.  One strategy that instru...

Recommendations for Online Course Development based on Characteristics of Adult Learners

       M aintain large, easy to read fonts and clear, bold some limitations and colors.                Ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal 508 guidelines.        Use variety of graphics, images, and tables.        Use clear menu structure.           Use a search and find function.                Chunk information into 5-9 bits of information.           Allow Adult Learners to absorb information rather than memorizing it.           Provide practice with feedback and self-tests.           Give adults an opportunity to design and develop their learning experience by utilizing projects.             Provide record keeping among sessions.             Pr...