Technology and Adult Students In Higher Education: A Review of the Literature

Adult learners are becoming more common in institutions of higher education. These learners often bring with them experiences and expectations that can significantly affect their educational needs, progress and activity in the classroom. A review of the literature suggests instructors in higher educational settings need to review their current teaching methodologies in light of the increase in enrollment of these types of students. Specifically, pedagogical, or instructor-centered, approaches tend to be less effective in meeting the needs of adult learners. Additionally, faculty must change their perceptions about the presence and utilization of instructional technologies in meeting student needs, especially those of adults. Instructors must consider how technology can influence the development and application of andragogy in the classroom to assist adult learners.