Purpose of the Study
In general, distance learning might lower the quality of instruction. However, studies show that its benefits are clear and demonstrable. Also it continues to gain acceptance. According to Belanger and Jordan, several reasons play major roles: a) There are a lot of new opportunities for students who might be excluded from participation in the learning process; b) A larger number of students with relatively fewer instructors allows to educate in institutions. Thus providing a cost-effective method of delivering higher education; c) There is a great opportunity for learners to continue lifelong learning after graduation, regardless of lifestyle or location.
So, the purpose of this article is to find out what influences of distance education make on adult learners. Lessons and findings are drawn from the author, who collectively teaches online courses. Also from adult learners who participates in online courses. This article emphasizes factors that motivate and scare adult to participate in distance education. Especially participate in the online format.
The distance learning, distance education, and online format mode of instruction are used interchangeably. The same is with the terms such as adult learners and nontraditional student.
What Makes the Influences of Distance Education on Adult Learners
Adult learners are attracted to distance learning programs.It is because they receive total support from their  employers. As usual it is tuition. About 80% of the participants pointed out that it is low cost. They gain in work-related knowledge and skills. Also they find personal fulfillment. To get a degree to fulfill external expectations they have to attend it. As well they attend on the recommendations of their employers. They make a list of requirements. In case the employees want to keep their jobs or secure professional advancement. So, what influences of distance education make on adult learners. That is incentive from their various employers and the suitable programs which offered through distance education.
What Motivates Adult Learners to Participate in Distance Learning
The majority factors that motivate adults to participate in distance learning (66%) are timeliness, dependability, and flexibility. At the same time 25% identified efficiency as the major factor. And only 9% pointed that they attend because of its self-directed learning approach.
So, why adult learners preferre distance learning at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The reason is the balance work and family demands with part-time degree completion. Primarily, distance education appeals to these groups to complete college course work, to finish their education, keep their current jobs and be promoted. Also because of flexibility of time, convenience of working from home, less rigorous course work. At the same time the ability to take care of their families or work from office.
Online programs providing new opportunities and preventing a short or even long distance commutes to attend a class. And with it, students can stay at their homes or workplaces. They can participate in learning activities.It is great opportunity to interact with most of the people in class, exchange information more frequently, and establish friendships with other students. There are other factors that influence adult learners participating in online programs.
There are some results from their common characteristics:
• They possess work experience and variety of background experiences of prior learning.
• In case of picking new ideas from their colleagues with similar work experience, they can integrate new concepts with their prior knowledge while.
• They enjoy and desire practical applications. That is because of the co-hoc nature of most of these programs that draw prospective students from similar backgrounds.
• It would be efficient to have control over their learning environment. Also it would be productive to have the opportunity to showcase their talents in group or special projects.
• Most of them think that they know more than their instructors. They enjoy participating voluntarily in the learning experience. Unfortunately, most of the instructors do not challenge those individuals.
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