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Abstract: In 2011, the Council of the European Union set out five priorities for adult learning over the period 2012-14. Within this context, our paper draws on the findings of a number of research case studies to investigate whether technology and e-learning can improve the quality of adult education and, in particular, whether they can engage learners and promote motivation to learn. The aim of the article is to reflect on approaches used in the case studies to explore and discuss how selected models of learning and motivation for adult learners might be supported and enhanced by contemporary ICT and technology enhanced learning (TEL). The main research approach used to provide evidence for the article is a case study strategy with three case studies across two sites or units; the Stockholm unit and the Glasgow/Zagreb unit. The Stockholm unit comprises of a description and analysis of a web-based course for multimedia programming with participants across various age groups and a considerable geographical spread. The Glasgow/Zagreb unit is based on emerging results from the ongoing Grundtvig Learning Project (ITELEAD) that, among other partners, includes the University of Glasgow /Scotland and an adult learner provider WYGS / Croatia. Our emerging findings indicate that ICT/ TEL can be used to support learning in adult education when approached from a collaborative and social constructivist approach. We also posit that while ICT/ TEL can play a role in facilitating learning and promoting motivation to learn other factors, which are common to promoting learner engagement in general, must also be addressed.
Keywords: motivation in adult education, lifelong learning, technology enhanced learning, e-learning, game-based learning, blended learning
1. Introduction and context
Finding innovative models for successful lifelong learning is an important issue to address.
The recent economic crisis, the constant need for new skills and the demographic changes facing Europe have highlighted the key role of adult learning in lifelong learning strategies and have helped to provide an impetus for measures that increase adult participation in learning and so improve economic competitiveness, employability but also social inclusion and active citizenship.
The European Commission highlights the key challenges facing adult learning:
The potential of adult learning has not been yet fully exploited: participation in lifelong learning varies greatly and is unsatisfactory...