Ed-Tech Policy Report Roundup

Adult Online Learning

By Mary C. Breaden — March 04, 2008 1 min read
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Understanding Successful Characteristics of Adult Learners

About 70 percent of adult learners taking classes online do not finish their courses, according to a study by Shawna L. Strickland, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Missouri- Columbia.

The report says that while more introverted or shy personality types, or individuals with schedule conflicts, can thrive in online-learning programs, difficulties with operating the required technology or heavy workloads can stand in the way of course completion.

The author drew from academic journals and studies on distance learning for the report, which examined adult learners ages 20 to 40.

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A version of this article appeared in the March 05, 2008 edition of Education Week

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