Typically, our students come from various backgrounds, experiences, and a wide range of careers. They share a common goal: to enhance their understanding of the unique needs of today’s adult learners. Thanks to this variation in backgrounds and life experiences, each student will bring a different set of reference points to share with the group, as they work together to discover the best methods for teaching today’s adult learners.
Many of our students are employed in the fields of:
- adult basic education (community-based programs)
- distance education
- continuing professional education
- corporate training
Possible Concentration Areas of Study
Distance Education
Distance education is becoming widely embraced as more companies and educational institutions search for cost-effective alternatives to traditional workshops, conferences, and classroom instruction that require students to leave the workplace. Also, with the constant evolution of the Internet and related technologies, opportunities in this field continue to expand.
The courses in distance education are designed to help you:
- improve your understanding of online course design and development
- enhance your knowledge of distance learning environments, teaching, and evaluation
- examine how the adult learner fits into distance education
Education Technology
Technology integration into your classroom is important. Penn State’s online courses in education technology can help you advance your skills in the design, development, and implementation of technology-based learning experiences.
The courses in education technology are designed to help you:
- apply sound technology practices to your curriculum
- extend your knowledge of technology-based learning
- enrich your use of the Internet and technology in your classroom or learning center
Family Literacy
Experts in the field of family literacy collaborate with specialists in early childhood education and adult education to offer a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to literacy instruction. Penn State’s courses in family literacy are developed to provide educators with an opportunity to enhance their skills and credentials in the discipline of literacy instruction.
The courses in family literacy are designed to help you:
- enhance parents' knowledge and skills regarding their roles and responsibilities as their children's first teachers
- increase the basic academic and literacy skills of your students
- support children's emerging language and literacy development
