Impact of Digital Tools for the Adult Learner

1. Advances in software help to appeal to different learning styles, improving the education process

1.1. Different learning styles would require different media.

1.1.1. Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. Their preference is for hands-on experiences. (Drago & Wagner, 2004)

1.1.1.1. Language learning software, like Rosetta Stone, require interactive checks to test comprehension

1.1.2. Visual learners like to be provided demonstrations and can learn through descriptions. (Drago & Wagner, 2004)

1.1.2.1. When using programs like Adobe and Acrobat Reader, users have the ability to highlight as well as place notes to emphasize information.

1.1.3. Auditory learners learn by listening. They enjoy aural discussions and dialogues and prefer to work out problems by talking. (Drago & Wagner, 2004)

1.1.3.1. There are Speech-to-Text applications that allow users to highlight information and have it read back to them.

1.2. Reference to Howard Gardner and David Kolb information from "Introduction to Online Learning: A Guide for Students". Multiple different learning styles as well as methods of perceiving that information will handle online settings in a different ways.

2. Introduction: Despite the complexity of technology, online learning with digital tools have made a substantial impact on the adult learner

3. A student in an online environment has access to a wider array of support.

3.1. Forums

3.2. Blogs

3.3. Tech Support

3.4. One-on-one Instructor support

3.5. Tutorials for software and applications

3.6. Cite examples of digital tools from "Gear Up for College With These Essential Virtual Tools" (Witte, 2014)

3.7. Reference where you can turn for support as noted in "Introduction to Online Learning: A Guide for Students

4. Access to research information can be easily obtained via the internet as opposed to printed text.

4.1. By using an online academic institution library, the student has access to eBooks, articles, journals and more.

4.1.1. The world is full of information to be found—however, not all of it is valid, useful, or accurate. (Driscoll & Brizee, 2013)

4.2. Information of a credible source may also be obtained from Google Scholar.

4.3. Many research books can be downloaded onto eReaders, with embedded information to enhance comprehension

5. Having access to online education has aided the adult learner to fit education to meet their lifestyle.

5.1. Many online colleges have 24/7 access.

5.2. Online classes provide greater flexibility to students who benefit from being able to control the time during which they study the course materials. In addition to flexibility, online classes offer greater convenience since the class can literally be taken anywhere there is access to a computer (Dutton & Perry, 2002; O’Malley, J., McCraw, H., 1999)

5.3. In many cases an adult learner may have more responsibilities to attend to that aren't cohesive with sitting in a physical classroom setting.

5.4. "Adult Learning in the Digital Age: Information Technology and the Learning Society" reference to illustrate the shift in technology towards more online-based vs. traditional classroom settings.

6. Conclusion: Technology has advanced over time to provide students with the tools to aid in success.

7. REFERENCES