Non-Traditional Adult Learners After COVID-19: Applying National Standards for Online Teaching in Human Service Education

Abstract

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of higher education increased its attention on quality distance learning for traditional and non-traditional adult learners. While the world saw an increase in online education enrollment as a result of the pandemic, non-traditional adult learners have historically relied on this method of education delivery to support their success in the collegiate setting. As the field of human service education supports the offering of distance learning instruction, it is vital for human service educators to consider the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching when educating adult learners. The authors of this article provide an overview of the needs of non-traditional adult learners post COVID-19; and suggest that the National Standards for Quality Online teaching be considered when delivering human service education in CSHSE accredited classrooms to this population.