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April 6, 2001

Adult student power

I vote for dropping the term "non-traditional" as a definition of all students who don't fit the "traditional" mold of 18-22 year old, on-campus, full-time students. With its negative stance, "non-traditional" easily slips into "peripheral" status on many campuses. Not all, of course – there are outstanding examples of schools dedicated to providing quality education to all of their enrolled students. But too many have simply let their "non-traditional" students participate in "traditional" courses. That's not the same as serving the needs of adult students.

Lots of options.

The convergence of computer technology and increasing numbers of adults returning to school promises to change this picture. Rapid growth of online learning in universities and especially in corporations attests to the fact that technology serves a need in education.

Of course, online learning is not for everyone. Many point out the need for social contact and the value of face-to-face communication, especially for younger students and in preparation for fields such as psychology and counseling. But online learning is well suited to the demanding schedules of many working adults, whether they're 23 or 63.

You may not be ready to jump online to earn your degree just yet. But chances are at some point in your career you'll wind up taking an online course or two. The Internet is fast becoming the primary channel for delivery of continuing professional education to ensure currency and for re-certification. And it's the method of choice for corporate training programs, especially across worldwide branch offices. It's even becoming a way to learn more about a hobby without leaving home.

The good news is that faced with more adult students and armed with better technology, colleges are providing more program options. You don't have to choose between chocolate and vanilla. Now you can get chocolate swirl or fudge ripple.

Here are some of the options. These are usually not all available at any one institution, so you'll need to ask what the options are at the schools you're researching.

You can complete your entire degree, from one school, online.

You can complete your degree online, but need to register and/or take exams in person (some schools have distributed locations for proctored exams).

You may be able to combine courses from several related schools to complete your degree online.

You can take your courses online, but meet your classmates at on-campus seminars before, during and/or after the course.

You can supplement your on-campus studies with a few online courses to accelerate your degree completion.

You can complete your degree on campus, but facilitate your studies by using email, bulletin boards and chat rooms to communicate with your instructors and classmates.

In developing these new options for distance learning, the schools are attracting more students – many of whom wouldn't have been able to enroll before.

The focus is on adults.

The best news is that providing these programs puts more focus on returning students. So there's now more attention on other needed programs and services for adults. And as the options proliferate, competition for adult students increases. Schools are listening to what you need – this is your opportunity to be heard. What was once "non-traditional" is beginning to enter the mainstream. I think there's never been a better time to be an adult student!