ACHE 2018 Concurrent Sessions
Light the path! Strategies to encourage the development of an adult learner’s identity for academic success in an online learning environment in higher education.
Session Description
Online learning is transforming the higher education landscape in many exciting ways, yet it can also represent a new set of obstacles for the adult learner. Learn how to help your students navigate the challenges of transitioning to the online classroom. Today, being a college student means it is necessary to know how to use digital tools to be a fully engaged digital student. What happens to the adult learner’s sense of identity when a lack of technology competency leaves them feeling excluded from online collaboration and participation? How does this impact their experience as an adult learner? Participants will engage in an interactive session that examines the relationship between the adult learner’s identity, their academic success, and their ability to utilize the technological interface of the online classroom.
Primary Presenter
Cornelia Trahan, University of Rhode Island
Brief Bio
Bio
Cornelia Trahan
Advisor: Dr. Kathy Peno
Ktpeno@gmail.com
Research interests: The challenges faced by students and teachers that impact online learning success in higher education. The relationship between the adult learner’s identity, the learning context, academic success, and the ability to utilize the technological interface of the online classroom. Barriers that impact individual identity tensions in an online learning environment and how practice can be revised to assist teachers and adult learners to support active collaboration and interaction.
Education:
BA: (Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies) University of Rhode Island
MA: (Adult Education) University of Rhode Island - graduate student