Non-traditional students are increasing in numbers across higher education institutions worldwide. As more and more adults return to college or vocational training programs, they want flexible learning programs to help them learn at their own pace while balancing work, family and other obligations. Digital learning solutions, like the Echo360 Active Learning Platform, provide mobile learning options to help these time-starved students reach their educational goals. The importance of mobile learning was highlighted in an article on The Evolllution entitled "Learning in Real Life: Mobile Learning and Non-Traditional Students."
Distance Education Crucial for Non-Traditional Students
According to the article, distance education is not just a perk for these students, but rather a requirement. Adult learners are busy, with families and careers that demand their time. Mobile learning technologies are one of the only ways to make the learning environment convenient for these students.
In order to make the learning environment work for students juggling careers and families, it must be asynchronous, which means it must allow them to view and engage with lectures and other course content on their own schedule.
Special Equipment Does Not Work for Non-Traditional Students
Another factor that must be considered when building innovative learning platforms for this unique student demographic is the need for specialized equipment. Students must be able to easily access their learning via a computer or mobile device, with nothing more than a webcam and Internet connection. If you require them to use special technology that is only available on-site, they may not be able to participate.
The Ability to Study on the Go
The modern adult is in constant motion. From business trips to taking the kids to soccer practice, hours at home are often limited. Instructors must create a learning environment that can be accessed wherever life takes them, at the student's leisure.
The Echo360 Active Learning Platform is an excellent solution to this need. Instructors can leverage lecture capture to record their content and deliver it to students via computers or mobile devices, even recording classroom talks and lectures from the classroom podium without a challenging setup. Meanwhile, off-campus students can still engage with the content, their instructors and their peers, using student engagement features such as polling, quizzing, online discussions, and more.
This makes Echo360 an ideal choice when it comes to enhancing the learning experience for the growing number of non-traditional students.
Does you current learning technology meet the changing needs of non-traditional students? Download the free ebook to find out!
Photo via Shutterstock
