Introduction to Online Learning and the Adult Learner

Abstract

Web technologies are changing old patterns of learning. Online learning is simultaneously a tool and a challenge in improving our learning process because working online is a fundamental competence for today's society. Rethinking needs and course design for online learning to be applied to all subjects at all levels (digital natives and digital immigrants as well) is, maybe, the biggest challenge in education. It is necessary to give teachers adequate training to teach using technologies in a way that supports specific pedagogical mode. Online learning for adult learners has both advantages and disadvantages. Research into online learning is an emerging field and all of this information has practical implication for design and tutoring online activities in the case of adult learners.