Demographic studies of distance learning students point out that they are older than students in traditional campus-based programs, they usually work outside the home, and many are married with families.  Nearly all students get courses on a part-time basis while holding down a job, with the intention of pursuing education to help them advance in their careers.
The distance learning characteristics students lead them to learn differently and require different learning situations than traditional on-campus students. In order to provide this group of students with educational experiences that address how they learn, it is important to understand the principles of adult learning. Additionally, it is necessary to understand how these principles can be applied in the online environment.
Benefits from Incorporating Adult Learning Principles into Online Courses
• Students are more engaged in the learning process.
• Students feel positive about the learning experience and perceive a great deal of value in what they have learned.
• Students learn content, make connections to their past experiences, and gain new perspectives.
Methods for Incorporating Adult Learning Principles into Online Courses
The adult learning principles are largely based on theory of "andragogy," which is defined as "the art and science of teaching adults." Principles of general adult learning theories have also been included.
Principles of Adult Learning and Application to Online Courses
• Adult students have to know why they need to learn something before they undertake learning it. Adults search for the practicality of content.
• Traditional learners have a propensity to take courses without questioning why the course is important to their education.
• In the course syllabus, expand on the official Registrar's description of the course to explain the relevance of the course content to the field of study. To help students put the content into context, give real-life examples.
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