Adult learning in higher education: A case study of online MBA learners

The designing of online subject for adult learners, educators need to ensure that Online Learning Facilitator and Subject Coordinator can play an effective role in creating opportunities for social learning, fostering engagement and interconnectivity while maintaining a delicate balance between technology (Learning Management System) and the human agency in the e-learning environment. Subject content should encourage active learning and creation of knowledge between adult learners (via interactive/live webinars and class forums, learning modules containing a balanced amount of readings/textbook, videos, activities, and avoiding information overload. Tasks (i.e, assessments and activities) need to be perceived as authentic by adult learners capturing work-relevance, currency and centered on students’ life experiences. Prompt, understandable, unambiguous feedback and feasible timing (material coverage, assessment due dates) are of importance to the time poor adult learners. Alignments between these important elements contribute to more effective e-learning for adult MBA participants engaged into fully online business education program.