Information technology plays an important role in continuing education.
Information technology advances in recent years have led to significant advances in continuing education courses. Communication is easier than ever, thanks to mobile devices like tablet computers and PDAs, which have improved the quality and availability of distance learning courses, allowing those who wish to further their education to have access to almost any class or course imaginable online.
Accessibility
Information technology allows more resources to be readily available for students, no matter their location. The higher level of connectivity this technology provides allows for continuing education courses in nearly any trade to be completed partially or completely online. Teachers and students have more access to one another and other expert resources around the world, thanks to the use of mobile devices in education.
Benefits
Many adults become trapped in a cycle where they cannot move up at their current job without another degree or level of certification, but they also cannot pursue that continuing education without sacrificing time at their job and the money it provides. Information and communication technology allows those in this situation to complete the necessary course in a time frame that allows them to continue working, helping them move ahead in their careers. This flexibility and freedom also boost student confidence, ideally leading to a greater chance at completion of the course.
Literacy
Continuing education courses already exist for nearly every subject and trade imaginable, from traditional subjects like science and literature to more specialized subjects like foreign language, fashion or graphic design. Information technology allows for a higher level of literacy in these subjects with advanced applications and software that create a virtual "hands-on" experience. This technology also helps disabled students participate actively in subjects or classes that were once difficult or impossible.
Application
Information technology has introduced a new multi-media aspect into lessons both in and out of the classroom, allowing teachers of continuing education courses to add a new dimension to their lessons both in the classroom and online. This new technology also allows continuing education students to have a more flexible schedule, opening up more courses to those who have steady jobs or other obligation.
Expert Insight
The Open Learning Experiment is the largest online distance education experiment in the world, offering an outstanding example of harnessing information technology in the field of continuing education. In an article by G. David Garson of North Carolina State University, he states that three factors are mandatory in ensuring quality with this type of course: structured course material, open assessment that uses a methodology based on competency, and a large support system and monitoring network.
Tags: continuing education, education courses, continuing education, Information technology, technology allows
