Abstract 

In many European countries, the participation of adults in education and training programmes remains very low. Through various communications, the EU has encouraged national education systems to promote alternative educational and training pathways which may fit better into the adult’s lifestyle. Studies confirm that adult learners, particularly workers, prefer courses that offer increased accessibility and flexibility over classroom-based programmes. Can online distance courses answer, in part, this demand?

In this talk, Dr Joseph Vancell, will present and lead a discussion on the opportunities (including learning through dialogue within a democratic community of inquiry) and challenges (including the transition from schooling to pedagogies inspired by constructivism) offered by online distance education in the Maltese context. Through the presentation he will also try to dispel the misconception and resultant fear that online distance education, compared to face-to-face instruction, is not an effective educational tool, a myth that has permeated academia. He will do this by exploring the findings of an ongoing three-year qualitative research project that is looking at the possibilities of online learning for Maltese mature workers. 

Bio-note

Dr Joseph Vancell Ph.D. is currently resident Senior Research Fellow at the School of Education and Social Sciences of the Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education at the University of Hull, United Kingdom. His research in e-learning for non-traditional adult learners is being funded by a Reach High Post-Doctoral grant.