ERIC Number: ED481327
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 2003
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Informal Adult Learning and the Internet. Trends and Issues Alert.
Imel, Susan
The Internet seems an ideal medium for fostering and supporting informal adult learning because it allows adults to seek out and use resources independently, control the pace and direction of learning, and talk to and consult others. Because it provides access to information, encourages meaningful interaction with information or material, and brings people together, the Internet supports learning that is constructivist in nature and that builds on prior knowledge. Issues have been raised related to the Internet and its role in informal learning, including access; degree of control that governments or other agencies might exercise over information available through the Internet; incomplete understanding of the extent and type of learning that is occurring; skills needed to engage in self-directed learning on the Internet; motivation for those who use the Internet for informal learning; and how technology can be improved. (Contains a 20-item annotated bibliography of resources that provide additional information about the Internet and informal adult learning.) (YLB)
Descriptors: Access to Education, Adult Education, Adult Learning, Computer Mediated Communication, Computer Uses in Education, Constructivism (Learning), Experiential Learning, Independent Study, Informal Education, Information Seeking, Information Sources, Internet, Learning Motivation, Pacing, Prior Learning, Student Motivation
For full text: http://www.ericacve.org/pubs.asp.
Publication Type: ERIC Publications
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Columbus, OH.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A