2016 Annual Conference

Identify, share, discuss, and apply best practices for adult online learning. Participants will evaluate the Effective Learning for Adults online series: Learning Objectives, Effective Design Methods, and Effective Instructional Activities. Take away best practices in online learning for adults and how you and your colleagues can utilize these online modules.

Target audience includes: educators working with adult learners; those in professional development; instructional designers; those in Cooperative Extension; and subject matter experts who want to learn more about best practices in adult online teaching and learning.

Teaching adults differs greatly from teaching other age groups in terms of the needs, readiness, and experience that adults bring into the learning environment. Knowles (1989) suggests that adult education is based primarily on the learners’ needs and interests, and in an engaging inquiry process.
Based on needs identified throughout the organization, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach created the Effective Learning for Adults series. (The series is comprised of 5 modules, 3 of which are online: Learning Objectives, Effective Design Methods, and Effective Instructional Activities.) The need evolved first, into a series delivered face-to-face and then progressed into a blended learning format.
During the session, participants will brainstorm and discuss research-based best practices for online learning. Linking theory to practice, the group will use those identified best practices to critique the 3 online modules and provide feedback. Since the modules are about effective adult learning and are constructed with those best practices in mind, the evaluation will provide a chance for linking theory to practice both in content and instructional design.
Participants will be actively engaged in the presentation and take away best practices in online learning for adults.