Teaching Adult Learners in Online Career and Technical Education

Abstract

Online education is becoming an important component ofcareer and technical education (CTE) in teacher preparationand at the graduate level. In the midst of such growth, andin response to questions about quality compared with traditional learning, there is a consensus that onlinecourses and programs should be designed based on the needs of adult learners. However, much of the literature inonline CTE lacks implicit connections to emerging notions ofadult development and learning. This article provides an overview of the status of online education in CTE at the postsecondary level, discusses related issues and current research focus, and highlights adult learning developmentsand the implications for curriculum design, instruction, anduse of technology. The article concludes with an outline of emerging trends bridging adult learning and onlineeducation relevant to career and technical education.