Virtual Learning: A Strategic Tool for Exploration and Discovery Beyond Just Course Completion

Abstract

As more educational institutions move from the traditional classroom setting to a more high-tech learning environment with a use of a Learning Management Software (LMS), changes need to be realized in the different changes in the learning needs of adult learners, as well as the overall educational goals. While many adult learners have a variety of learning needs and wants, the educational system in many countries has been slow in changing. However, with the onset of virtual (online) learning, many educational institutions have realized that educational needs for students, business, industry, as well as cultural factors have changed. In today's learning environment, learners have an immediate need for education, but they also need to plan for their educational goals beyond the completion of the course or program of study. Thus, this paper will address the changes in the learning environment, changes for the adult learner and industry, and changes in overall educational goals and those involved in the educational process. I. INTRODUCTION Education has been evolving since the days of Socrates, but some educators have continued to cling on the Socratic method of teaching with no open mind for changes or enhancements. What does this say to our system of education and our future minds if there are not changes, updates or even minor modifications? This paper will help to explore how education has been changing as a result of the technological evolution brought about by the use of personal computers, as well as the innovative and creative approaches and strategies that forward thinkers in the field of virtual (online) learning have presented to the academic community. For the purposes of this paper virtual learning and online learning will be used interchangeably, meaning the same line of thinking but offering a difference of terms used in the industry in various educational institutions which incorporates the use of learning management systems (LMS) in order to provide such virtual learning. While one can ponder the history of education and how it has slowly progressed due to the ―control‖ of certain authorities in government, education, and society, the key aim of this paper will be to provide a quick update on brief historical changes as the paper moves towards discussing today's actual teaching practices. In fact, the foundation of this paper will be focused on virtual learning and its impact on education and the adult learner. Specifically, key segments of this paper will help to build up an argument to demonstrate how current best practices in virtual learning can be applied not only in the virtual learning environment, but also in the Face-to-Face (F2F) physical learning environment (since some people still want to be in a physical classroom for instruction). The next section will provide a brief overview of what is online learning and its role and function in today's education of adult learners.