Baby Boomers are Transforming Distance Education and Learning

Posted by David R. Wetzel Sep 17, 2008

Internet use by seniors has increased from 15% in 2000 to 32% in 2007. Use of the Internet by seniors is expected to double to 64% by 2010, as baby boomers who are more technologically proficient move into the seniors category - 60 and older (Research Overview: The Aging US Market, Praxi Group, 2004).

Online education is more common for baby boomers and seniors. In 2000, 5% of baby boomers had enrolled in a distance education/learning course. In 2005, the number jumped to 20% of enrollees in distance education/learning courses (The Internet and Education: Findings of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Washignton, 2006).

The Sloan Foundation (2007) found that 67% of all colleges and universities offer distance education/learning courses. This presents many online education opportunities for baby boomers who want to learn something new or change careers.

Although many of today's seniors are less inclined to enroll in distance education/learning courses, baby boomers are different. They seek the opportunity to enroll in distance learning courses.

Baby boomer groups are are working with colleges and universities to determine in the best methods for presenting online information for these adults.

Changes being recommended include:

• Text body's double spaced for easier reading
• Sans Serif text for easier reading
• Less clutter on pages - simple organization

Baby boomers use the Internet and are characterized by optimism, personal gradification, team orientation, health and wellness, personal growth, work , and involvement.

Baby boomers just don't use technology, they transformed it into what is today (Dychtwald, Age Power: How the 21st Century will be ruled by the new old., 1999)

Distance education/learning will also be tranformed by baby boomers.

For baby boomers who have taken advantage of distance education/learning courses visit Advantages of Distance Education for Adults to find out why you should consider online education.