When Covid 19 struck, the whole world withdrew into the confines of four walls. But education moved beyond those confines like never before. It wasn’t that we did not have online and e-Learning avenues earlier. However, with the traditional educators and school children quickly adapting to this mode, perspectives changed forever. It opened unlimited opportunities for all those who wanted to learn. Even elder people are also turning to e-learning.
To explore the realms of adult learning, we must delve a bit into teaching methods of adult learning, which is what Andragogy ( the teaching and learning methods for adults) is. Our schooling has conditioned us to be dependent and guided learners. Even though adults are self-directed learners, it may take time for them to understand this and apply their facilities to make it work. All seniors need is a zeal to learn and a child-like curiosity to obtain knowledge.
So what seniors can do to learn by this method, here are some tips:
- Have a good understanding of your learning objective. Why are you learning something? The goal must be the driver.
- Pick up topics that have immediate value. Unlike kids, seniors need not have a long-term outlook. You might learn better if you pick up skills that you can apply immediately in your everyday life, for motivation.
- Leverage your experience, analyse every piece of knowledge you gain, map it to your goals, and practice what you have learned.
- Seek help from your instructors and mentors openly without worrying about the need to keep up stereotypical images.
These tips can help you master whatever skill you want, irrespective of age.
Benefits of online learning
Online learning has multiple advantages that suit adult learning needs. Here they are
1 The flexibility and convenience of learning from wherever you are, at your chosen pace and time.
2 The e-learning market is flooded with many courses, many of which are free. There is a good chance you may not have to spend much to pick up some new skills.
3 It also gives privacy, if you don’t want others to know about your learning.
4 It keeps you engaged and lends a positive outlook on life.
5 If you join cohort-based programs, you will interact with other learners and instructors for a more social and enjoyable learning experience.
6 Many online courses facilitate course personalization to suit your needs. So, you can pick and choose to achieve your objectives.
7 It improves your technology grasp immensely. You will learn to use more digital tools and software and become proficient.
8 The world is your oyster. You will run out of excuses for time, money, physical, and other constraints to avoid learning. You can choose from courses across the globe, whether traditional university courses or informal learning.
9 Research says learning new skills can prevent or delay cognitive decline by keeping your mind sharp. And your quality of life improves vastly due to the multiple benefits listed above.
The way forward
So, e-learning is the way to go. Then what’s the next step?
- Begin with the end in mind. List those things you would like to learn that will help you in your everyday life or enrich your life.
- Explore e-learning platforms for online courses from Indian and global institutes.
- Shortlist the platform, enroll for the course, and keep going at your pace to complete the program.
- Apply what you have learned to surprise people around you and gain confidence.
In my personal case. I have learned so many things after I turned 50 starting with computer operations. I developed my skill of writing, and after the age of 65, I started writing blogs and published one book. There are so many other things that I have learned in my senior years.
In the end key is to ensure lifelong learning, whichever way you choose.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
13th September 2023.