How Distance Education Has Improved Adult Education

Abstract

This essay examines the effects that distance education has had with adult learners over the last four decades, including (a) correspondence courses, (b) single technology, (c) blended learning, and (d) e-learning. Distance education has changed to decrease situational, institutional, and dispositional barriers for adult learners that students listed in the 1970s and 1980s. Removing these barriers has improved adult education in the 21st century; however, e-learning and blended learning also raise new concerns.

Key words:

• adult education
• blended learning
• distance learning
• e-learning
• online education