Integrating technology into an adult classroom has an added layer of challenges. For many adult learners, the thought of interacting with technology turns their stomach. One woman attending class said that she was terrified to have to practice the new software in front of her co-workers. She felt that it was unfair for the company to require her to learn new software so close to her retirement. Companies face this kind of apprehension every day. For teachers, it is very important that we include generation gaps in our technology integration strategies. As the cartoon shows, many
adults view “gadgets” as toys and have a hard time seeing them as learning tools. For many years, directed instructional models have been the standard for adult training programs. Lectures, worksheets, job aids, and assessments make up the majority of training for the workplace. In the last two decades, constructivist models have influenced training plans. For example, you might sit in a class for the company orientation, but when you learn how to process a file, you will actually practice it along-side a seasoned staff member who walks you through each step. Fast forward to today and you will find that training directors are looking to technology to help them make learning more
interesting, but also more cost-effective and far reaching (especially if the company is national or global). Later this month, I will be attending the conference for the American Society of
Training and Development (ASTD). While at the conference, I expect to hear a lot from blended learning experts who are going to tell me how leading companies are using social media and iPads to
train new staff. I will be meeting with technology experts and instructional designers who live and breathe TIP and TPACK as they create online simulations for adult learners in the workplace. What I hope to bring home is a clearer understanding of the new tools used in learning. I will look to the experts to help me adjust my own technology integration plan and include transition steps for the three
major generations at our workplace. Let’s go back to the woman at the beginning of the post. I told her that we were going to start teaching with iPads. Her response, “Wait a few more months, until I have retired!”
Great post. The same apprehension is so present among teachers. How many years til I retire? Can I just ignore this?? The thing is that for teachers, adding technology into the classroom is something extra, something new on top of the job. For students, classrooms that don't use technology don't make sense; it's such a part of how they view the world. Your training w/ ASTD sounds great - isn't practical and up to date prof. development awesome??
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! You post really hits home with me. The college where I work attracts many adult learners who do not have extensive experience with technology. The thought of taking an online class scares them to death! These students often feel embarrassed and get easily frustrated when they cannot do things as fast as their classmates who are “digital natives.”
ReplyDeleteYour upcoming training sounds very interesting. It will be an awesome opportunity for you to get hands-on training in the material we are studying in this class. I’m jealous!