A blended learning approach towards lifelong learning among adult learners

Abstract

The last two decades have seen the higher education system in Malaysia experiencing rapid changes due to the emergence of lifelong learning and the infusion of web-based into teaching and learning. Lifelong learning has opened up new opportunities for learners especially ad ult learners to enhance their knowledge base skills and vocational competency even after they have finished their formal education, whereas infusion of technologies have created new opportunities for learners to interact with their peers, faculty, and content, inside and outside of the classroom. E-Iearning, on-line learning and most recent, blended learning are emerging as a preferred mode of delivery with the infusion of information and communication technologies (lCT). The idea of blending different learning experiences has been in existence ever since humans started thinking about teaching. This article focuses on blended approach: a purposeful mix of delivery media, particularly face-to-face and various forms of technologies, to improve learning or performance solutions, which are derived from the goals and needs of an organization; as a tool for education, training and development of adult education. It also explores the benefits of this approach towards adult learning as in the case of Malaysia, among in- service school administrators who are involved in a special undergraduate programme designed for the non degree holder.