Using the Heuristic Elicitation Methodology to Examine the Impact of Online Courses for Adult Learners
Session Abstract
The Heuristic Elicitation Methodology (HEM) is used in this study to examine the impact of online instructional design strategies for adult students in degree completion programs. Adult distance education students' perspectives of various instructional design strategies which enhance and challenge their learning will be discussed.
Target Audience
This session targets practitioners, faculty, and/or administrators of adult and continuing higher education programs.
Session Description
This session will introduce the Heuristic Elicitation Methodology (HEM). This mixed method approach has been used for cross cultural research which gives credibility to the perspective of the recipient and can be especially useful when designing policy or services. The purpose of this methodology is to determine how a new item, program, or service can be developed so that it is culturally relevant. Results from the study of adult students’ perspectives in an online degree completion program utilizing the HEM will be presented. Since adult students may gravitate toward online degree programs as a way to balance work, family, and other responsibilities, their unique perspectives of instructional design strategies may be culturally relevant for educators developing online degree programs. Retention of distance education students continues to be a concern for many higher education institutions. The results of this study may assist in the development of online degree programs for adult students which aids in the retention of adult distance education students. Questions and comments will be generated through guided discussion.