Iekļaujoša pieaugušo izglītība: nākotnes attīstības perspektīvas. Latvijas gadījums

Abstract

Under the influence of the pandemic, adult education institutions around the world were forced to switch to a distance learning mode, which culminated in the unprecedented rapid digitization of the adult education sector, including in Latvia. Adult education institutions have adapted to changing circumstances by converting current programmes to online mode and creating new programmes to meet the needs of learners during the pandemic. Even after the lifting of restrictions set by the pandemic, most Latvian adult education institutions continue to implement online courses, and also include online components in the face-to-face learning process. The aim of the study is to analyse the future development perspectives of adult education in Latvia in the context of solving the challenge of inclusion. During the research, the author concluded that online learning can contribute to the development of inclusive education, which has been put forward as one of the main education priorities in Latvia, because learners can participate in learning, regardless of their location. However, not all learners have the necessary skills and equipment to participate in online learning. The results of the expert interviews showed that the pandemic has generally promoted the development of online adult education programmes. Taking into account the advantages of online learning (saving time and various resources, etc.), this form will continue to develop even after the pandemic. According to experts, the combined form of adult education, when the face-to-face form is supplemented, or in certain cases replaced, by online learning, would be optimal for adult learners in Latvia. At the same time, experts pointed out that adult education in Latvia needs to address various challenges, such as the quality assurance system, development and implementation of adult education policy, and raising the qualifications of pedagogues.