This paper reviews the foundational literature of contemporary e-learning, with a focus on scaffolding, instructional design, and engagement. These concepts are then considered in two limited case studies, each involving e-learning and adult learners--in particular, nurse-learners. The first case study describes the use of a scaffolding model…

Over the past decade, Prensky's distinctions between "digital immigrants" and "digital natives" have been oft-referenced. Much has been written about digital native students as a part of the Net generation or as Millennials. However, little work fully considers the impact of digital immigrant discourse within the fields of…

The utility of definitions and descriptions applied to adult learning can be effectively measured only by direct application to a specific field of learning, in this case, fine arts. Based on the author's 12 years of experience as an art educator, the article provides a conceptual framework for those who are at the beginning of their pedagogical…

This article examines the relationship between the participation of older adult learners in educational activities and successful aging. In partnership with seniors' organizations, focus-group interviews were conducted on seniors' involvement in learning and their perceptions of its influence on successful aging. Successful aging is defined in…

In this study, we examined the provision and development of lifelong learning within institutions of higher education in British Columbia and explored some of the institutional characteristics that enable or discourage it. The results suggest that most lifelong learning opportunities are directed toward enhancing employment and career…

The limited research that exists in the area of prior learning assessment (PLA) has tended to be descriptive and conceptual in nature. Where empirical studies have been done, they have focussed mainly on PLA as a means of credentialing rather than as a learning experience. Furthermore, there has been very little empirical research into the…

The themes of adult learning, cross-cultural learning, and transformative learning are common to many continuing educators working at universities across Canada. In this essay, I narrate my experiences as a mature, adult learner returning to university. Following a literature review and discussion of methodology, I begin this autobiographical…

The participation of women in a higher education program depends on the extent to which the program takes into consideration the special needs of women--issues that have long plagued women's participation in education programs. In this study, we found that issues like childcare have not received any special consideration in the delivery of…

Autobiography has generally been recognized for its literary and artistic aspects, and as a result has been largely overlooked as an instructional method in adult and continuing education. This paper argues for a wider use of autobiography in adult and continuing education programs, proposing that autobiography actually encompasses not only the…

A Canadian university surveyed 300 mature students (33% responded) and interviewed 12. Responses indicated that 62% changed their academic program. Institutional influences on academic decision making were more significant than personal influences, with no differences between full- and part-time students. Students wanted preliminary information…

From a literature review, the following principles for facilitating adult learning in continuing education were derived: (1) promote positive relationships; (2) gain learners' attention; (3) ensure that content is relevant; (4) provide support and challenge; and (5) ensure learner satisfaction. (Contains 55 references.) (SK)

A study of 15 graduate students in distance education applied a transition model charting changes in their coping responses throughout the program and assessed their perceptions of institutional support. Coping moved slowly from stress management to problem solving. Ability to cope was related to perceptions that the institution acknowledged their…

A survey of 224 Canadian distance education students indicated that 81% were women, 70% enrolled for career reasons, and most were age 24 to 50. Desired support services included information about getting started in distance education, communication with instructors and students, a learning center, and career assistance. (SK)

Describes an organizational learning course based on transformative learning theory that illustrates approaches to developing constructive learning environments, enhancing team learning, examining mental models, supporting systems thinking, and achieving personal mastery. (SK)

Shopping malls are environments in which many adults find community. They are potentially ideal for adult learning, especially via the Internet, because they can offer pacing, flexible hours, and self-direction and interaction. (SK)