Article Review - Adult Learning - Book Report/Review Example

Article about Adult Education: Synopsis: There are a lot of barriers in the way of learning and participation of adults in the conventional room setting. With the evolution of technology, adults have frequently made use of technology to accomplish daily tasks. Accordingly, the education programs meant for adults are being designed in such a way that allows integration of technology with the classroom instructions. “adult education programs are seeking effective and innovative strategies that merge existing curriculum and technology without straining existing budgets” (Olesen-Tracey, 2010, p. 37). In the article under consideration, certain strategies, useful practices, and tips have been proposed in accordance with the deployment of GED-i.

GED-i is a curriculum for the preparation of online GED test. It is recognized nationally and has been formulated by the Center for the Application of Information Technologies which forms part of the Western Illinois University. The test procedures proposed in this article are based upon objective strategies of administrative leadership like establishing professional goals of development, communicating clear procedures, and establishing benchmarks. “Online projects such as GED-i can help programs provide flexible, dynamic, and high quality curricular choices and build the bridge from traditional classroom instruction to viable distance learning initiatives that will prepare students for the shift in academic experiences in higher education” (Olesen-Tracey, 2010, p. 39). Reaction: I totally approve of the idea of launching the GED program online.

This will improve adults’ participation in the program and would also improve their performance by providing them with exposure to the vast research data online. The blueprint for online learning is not concerned with the number of students that can be educated because the administrators have to bear no expense for additional students. Students would use the online lectures from their own portals and there would be no financial burden upon the administrators. However, I fully agree that the type of audience should be clearly identified for the lectures.

For example, if a lecture is supposed to be for 9th grade learners, the level of complexity should accord with that. The content of lectures should be well planned, prepared and uploaded in time to minimize the inconveniences. The best idea is to make it a complete distant education package instead of making it a supplement of traditional classroom education. Making it completely online would provide adult learners with complete freedom and they would be in a better position to gain. Not just that, staff members would also feel at ease doing the job online.

This will not only save the administrators plenty of money, but will also boost the efficiency of the educational system. Practical Application: Like the GED program, quality of education can generally be increased by making education online even in the setting of a classroom. As community universities broaden their learning opportunities online. Administrators of local adult programs should evaluate the pros and cons of traditional pedagogical approaches and increase their reliance upon online system in order to inculcate necessary competency in the learners and improve the quality of education.

References: Olesen-Tracey, K. (2010). Leading Online Learning Initiatives in Adult Education. Journal of Adult Education. 39(2): 36-39.