College Education is Adapting to Adult Students

Adult Learning Opportunities Evolving Beyond the Traditional Model

Oct 20, 2009 David R. Wetzel

Adult learners are demanding more convenient continuing education opportunities from colleges and these schools of higher education are changing to meet their demand.

College education is moving beyond four year programs founded on the traditional model of four years of education, with summers off. Although this model still has a place in higher education, its fading due to the ever growing number of adult students enrolling in continuing education programs. Adult learners want hybrid classes taught at night and on weekends, along with demanding an increase in online education opportunities.

Adult students seek the convenience of enrolling in college education programs which fit their schedule, eliminating the need to quit their full-time job, or be forced to consider part-time employment. Adult learners need the freedom to continue their lives, along with completing continuing education programs that improve career opportunities and meet financial limitations due to the cost of higher education.

Adult learners seek a wider range of options from colleges for completing their continuing education. For example the ability to complete a four-year degree in three years by attending school year round and more opportunities for part-time education. Because of these desires many adult students complete college courses at multiple colleges, along with completing as many course requirements through online education as feasible.

Distance Education: Meeting Adult Student Needs

Many colleges are providing entire programs or parts of programs online to meet the needs of adult learners. Colleges are also moving further from the traditional model of teaching and learning by offering courses which began multiple times during a semester and school year. This change is caused by the pressure of for-profit institutions that have already moved to this new model.

Colleges offering multiple starting times for courses present them through distance education. Adults prefer this option because online education is typically less expensive, along with providing the necessary convenience that fits their life style and continuing education needs. Distance education also takes advantage of evolving technologies. For example:

• Laptop Computers – for completing courses anywhere there is Internet access.
• Cell Phones – these portable technology tools, such as Blackberry and iPhone, provide access to the Internet for adult learners to participate in college courses almost anywhere.

Adult students using these two examples of technology participate in class discussions, turn in assignments, participate in group work, and even communicate with professors during the instructor’s office hours. Distance education supports adult learners by:

• not requiring them to quit their full time employment and miss family events.
• allowing them to remain on the job longer and earn privileges that come with job seniority.

Community Colleges: Convenience and Affordability

The demand for convenience is being met by community colleges. These two-year institutions provide the general education foundation at an affordable price for adult students intending on continuing their education by earning a bachelor degree. Community colleges also provide certification programs and technical degree programs for adults who do not need a bachelor degree.

Community colleges have evolved quicker than four-year schools and also provide:

• professional academic and career guidance.
• a range of financial assistance.
• many academic and student support services.
• flexible day, evening, off-campus, and weekend classes.
• distance education courses to accommodate diverse scheduling needs.

University Education: Benefits for Colleges and Adults

Why are colleges and universities adapting to meet the needs of adult students? The answer is based on the basic business principle – supply and demand. Adult students are the consumers of education and they want to continue their education on their own terms, not the terms of the traditional university education model. Adults demand a more convenient continuing education model and schools are adapting to supply a more inviting product.

Colleges benefit by effective utilization of their investment in instructors and infrastructure as they provide a convenient university education. Adult students also benefit from completing continuing education programs they need to boost their careers and increase their income, all without need to dramatically alter their life style.

Making Connections: College and Continuing Education

College education for adults is essential today, as employers require their employees to have an education beyond high school and in many cases a graduate degree. Continuing education offerings by colleges and universities is evolving to meet the needs of adults by providing more online education opportunities. Also, community colleges are meeting the demands of adult students as four-year schools move forward quickly.

The copyright of the article College Education is Adapting to Adult Students in Continuing Education is owned by David R. Wetzel. Permission to republish College Education is Adapting to Adult Students in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

College Education