A second trend that is relevant to my learning history is that of “the knowledge society” (Merriam & Bierema, 2013, p. 4). The authors cite Dumont & Instance (2010) in explaining that knowledge is one of the “driving forces for economic activity and the prosperity of individuals” (Merriam & Bierema, 2013, p. 4). One of the main reasons I went back to school was because I knew I needed to upgrade my qualifications if I wanted to make more money in my chosen field. 

Globalization

When I told my parents that an undergraduate degree in biology would not get me a $40/hour job out the gate they initially didn’t believe me. Both my parents, without formal education, had moved their way up their respective companies through hard work and the informal knowledge they gained along the way. Today, we live in a different world, where as Merriam and Bierema (2014) put it “education itself is a commodity” (p. 3), and that companies can “shop” for the most qualified candidates worldwide (p. 2). This means that we have to be ever qualified to obtain the same jobs that decades ago did not require higher education - likely due to increased competition. This is also one of the reasons I have decided to enrich my knowledge through this additional degree. 

 

Technology

On that same note, technology has changed and continues to change drastically over a shockingly short period of time. Merriam and Bierema (2014) points out that “technology is changing how adults learn” (p.6), which cant be closer to the truth. I began university about a decade ago with some instructors still using overheads and not allowing laptops into the classroom. Now I am taking an entire degree online, my currently teaching is recorded, with notes posted, and a variety of online resources for students to learn. In this period of time technology has definitely changed both how I learn but also how I teach. 

 

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass., Adult Learning in Today's World, pp. 1-22.

 

The Knowledge Economy also resonates with me and my experience working in knowledge translation in healthcare education. Something we’ve heard a lot through the pandemic is this idea of not being able to keep up with information and the need for public health to deliver vital information in easy to understand language. Merriam & Bierama (2013, p. 4) mention this phenomenon in relation to information more broadly. This speaks to the need for adult educators who can synthesize and translate knowledge, and in my case health information, into plain language and why this field of healthcare is challenging and growing. 

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

I currently have had the opportunity to work with a college and have stayed with them through the pandemic. Where I realize many institutions had to alter how education was delivered it also shaped how education was viewed externally. As the pandemic took its toll, the college had to adapt the way traditional In-class courses and programs were going to run, with little time to execute the rollover. Many of our courses and programming had switched fully online, even programs that required hands-on tactile learning. Nursing Programs had switched so instead of having practical components to each course offering and completing them through the course of the program, they would instead have two years of online, and when the pandemic had subsided, students were invited back to class they would complete the practical and hands-on portion they were required to complete. The college had to rely on technology to communicate with its students. Merriam and Bierema (2014) speak about how technology is not only shaping the context of learning but is changing learning itself. The traditional educational system is starting to incorporate technology into how they deliver the curriculum.  And where in 2014 more technology was starting to be incorporated, I believe the biggest change we will see has been within the last few years, because of the change due to the pandemic, I can only foresee the college and other institutions continuing to provide online options that are flexible and accessible to students who want to join higher education.

The Knowledge Society-

In Adult Learning in Today’s World Merriam and Bierema (2014) speak about how companies will locate where the workforce has the skill set and knowledge to help sustain and build businesses. They speak about how businesses will move to cities and towns where there are qualified workers, so they can continuously build and propel their businesses. This was resonant of my experiences in the past, I had grown up in a small town and had graduated my first college program during a recession in one of the cities that had the lowest employment rate in Canada. Finding a position for a skilled worker and new grad was impossible. Many of my graduating classmates had to start working minimum wage jobs to keep up with the payment plans we had signed up for to afford school, others relied on relationships and networking to grandfather them into positions that could provide more than minimum wage and a skilled job to work in, the other graduates had to leave in hopes to find work in other towns and cities. This was how I got settled in Kitchener, when my first program couldn’t provide me with a job out of school, I went back to obtain a degree, in hopes a degree would be able to provide me with the education and skill set I needed to get in the door, thankfully it worked, and I got hired on for my first position and started my career slowly but surely. Most Businesses didn’t choose my hometown to put down business roots because our educational options were few and far between, we had one local college that mostly focused on environmental studies, with a couple of general arts programs. None of the graduates from these programs would be skilled enough to fit what manufacturing companies or skilled trades needed, the business that came into town would shut down because there were no skilled workers to take on the positions they needed to hire for and as a student it felt as though you had to predict the needs of employment years in advanced so you could educate yourself to solve issues that you felt might happen in the future. 

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass., pp. 1-22

A second trend that resonated with my present and future goals is the knowledge society. Merriam and Bierama cite Darling-Hammond et al, stating that “students need to be prepared as self-directed, lifelong learners “for jobs that do not yet exist, to use technologies that have not yet been invented, and to solve problems that we don’t even know are problems yet” (Merriam and Bierama, 2014, p.5). As an employee working in the highly innovative nuclear industry, I’m excited by the opportunity to learn from others around me, and simultaneously overwhelmed at the unknown and unanswered questions about my future career development. Further, as we’ve seen over the last several decades, the concept of the knowledge society makes me recall how jobs have continuously evolved from production-focused, to knowledge-focused. Not only are there fewer ‘factory’ jobs than there used to be in Ontario, but they also tend to pay less than ‘office’ jobs.

 

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

I was able to connect with the knowledge society idea.  Merriam & Bierema (2014) explain knowledge society is a market economy where companies locate where there is a knowledgeable and educated workforce to develop a business.  My home town is a very small town in Northern Ontario which finds hardship recruiting nursing staff to support the health services in the town.  A post-secondary college and the health facility teamed up to provide; a learning environment, professors, and structure to educate qualified students in hopes to relieve staffing shortages. 

Technology was another part of the paragraph I was able to connect with.  When the dreaded Covid-19 came, I was on the tail end of completing my bachelor’s, teaching medical terminology and concepts.  All of these were quickly transferred online in a matter of 2 weeks-WOW!  I had to learn Zoom, convert my exams to online, and learn about ‘lockdown browsers’ to discourage cheating.  I appreciate Merriam & Bierema’s (2014) mention of technology is changing how adults learn in a formal setting in addition to the mention of the divide in accessibility.  Relating to my connection, it was difficult to maneuver around suddenly solely online courses for individuals who have no internet access.  

Merriam, S.B. & Bierema, L.L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

The second idea that I connect with is Globalization. Merriam and Bierema (2014) define the term as “the movement of goods, services, people, and ideas across national borders.” (p. 2). I can relate to this on two levels. Firstly, my partner and I have been watching as our youngest “shops around” for the right school to complete her master’s. We struggle to relate to her “work to travel” mentality and now the idea of travelling worldwide for school, which comes with extra expenses. Merriam and Bierema (2014) explain that students today “are now consumers who "shop" worldwide for the educational program that best fits their needs and pocketbooks and which promises the results they seek” (p.3). Even though I struggle to understand this way of thinking, I agree entirely with this statement. I see it in my own home and every day at work (Georgian College). Merriam and Bierema (2014) explain how students “shop” for the best school that meets their needs but that colleges and universities are doing the same thing, shopping for students (p. 3). I know that Georgian College has an incredible recruitment team that travels the Globe promoting the school and its programs. As a result of globalization, we have students from over 90 countries. 

I definitely recognize the benefits of globalization in education. Through travel comes greater self-awareness, exposure to new ideas, and an understanding of other cultures/beliefs, which has the ability to reduce racism/prejudice around the world. Through globalization, students search for “the best” school, which motivates institutions to provide higher-quality education. When I look at this from this perspective rather than the scared mom lens, I see how globalization in education can bring positive change to society.

References:

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass., Adult Learning in Today's World, pp. 1-22.

Although now slightly dated information, the first idea to grasp my attention is technology. Technology evolves at a rapid pace as outlined by the writer and is one of the strongest drivers of the availability of education to not just myself but to so many people around the world. Without the access of the program in both an online and asynchronous format, I would not be able to participate as leaving work to complete another degree is not something I could afford. “Even traditional education systems from elementary through higher education are using technology in designing and delivering curriculum” (Merriam & Bierema, p. 5). This program utilizes e-books, journals, open source materials and even this messaging board which allows for communication in a far more cohesive manner than years gone by. 

 

The second idea that resonates to me is “the “knowledge economy,” or, as it is more often labeled, the “knowledge society,” has replaced the industrial society and has great implications for learning and educational systems across the globe and throughout the lifespan…and “a range of so-called ‘soft skills’ including good team-working” (Merriam & Bierema, p. 5). The value of soft-skills and how important it is to both be able to communicate under the guise of teamwork has been crucial to my career path. Strong communication that is both open and not just a closed door, an invitation on how to absorb more information even with co-workers allows that growth that continues to help us create more cohesive bonds with colleagues. Team work is outlined as one of the greatest strengths of first-response and as such is something that is a vital skill that needs to be developed along with other knowledge.

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

 

My second connection to the reading is “Technology is also changing how adults learn. Adult basic education programs through continuing professional education incorporate Technology in curriculum design and delivery.” I remember when the pandemic had just started, and I was in my last year of college, and I will never forget when we all received an email that the remainder of the semester will be virtually. 

 

However, at that time, I had no idea what virtual learning was or how it would turn out. Nevertheless, it worked out better because I was paying so much for childcare out of pocket at that time. Therefore, incorporating Technology in curriculum design and delivery was incredibly beneficial because it allowed me to watch my children and balance my study from home. Thus, with everything in life, adjusting to changes will always have pros and cons. The cons of incorporating Technology in both design and curriculum and its delivery is balancing a busy life outside the classroom.

The pros of virtual learning through Technology, some folks may learn better in a formal setting than doing it virtually.

 

Reference

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

 

Technology compared to 10 or even 15 years ago has changes drastically. Merriam and Bierema describe that technology changed “how we work, carry out our daily lives and interact with people” (p. 5). COVID has played a major role in how we now work and do school—even TikTok had us trying funny dances at the start of 2020 while we were trapped inside. With the increase of AI and Chat GPT, information is at the tips of everyone’s fingers. Being able to do this degree all online has made me think of the ways that learning is both formal, non-formal, and informal, even at a formal environment. There were times I even went into a rabbit hole of reading other research papers or books about adult education or history because one reading recommended by a professor talked about something. Technology will continue to play a major impact on how we will facilitate in the future; using Padlet is an example of innovation and being creative – I now know a different platform to use for future facilitations! 

 

Merriem, S.B. & Bierema, L.L. (2014). Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice. San Fancisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, pp. 1-22. 

 

The second trend that I connected to be the focus on learner-centred approaches. The authors state in the chapter that, "Learner-centered approaches recognize that adult learners come to the learning situation with different needs, interests, and goals, and that their motivation to learn is tied to their ability to see the relevance and applicability of what they are learning" (p. 3). Although I knew that I wanted to complete my degree in Adult Education when beginning the process of applying to post-secondary educations I wasn’t sure which institution I would apply to. I chose Brock University specifically because they offered delivery methods and courses that suited my personal needs and goals. I liked that if needed I could complete my degree fully online, or if I wanted to, I could attend a few classes in-person. There were many other programs I was interested in but would not have been able to complete the courses online, and travelling outside of my area while working full-time and having a family was not an option multiple times a week.

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice . Jossey-Bass. pp. 1-22.

The accessibility of goods and services has improved as a result of the Internet's globalization and the rising use of online purchasing. In the current time, we can instantly purchase anything from anywhere in the world using localized currencies and languages and simultaneously analyze the costs and features of many products.

According to Marriam & Bierima (2014).” Technology cannot be separated from globaliza­tion and the knowledge society” (p.7). This relates to the course I'm doing at Brock University. Technology enables us to take the same course in the comfort of our own homes although living in various places, learning and sharing knowledge without paying for books or transportation.

Bierema and Merriam (2014) also talk about technology as having a large influence on adult education. There could be no single thing more related to my current learning goals than the influence of technology on adult education. My current learning goal is to obtain a BEd in Adult Education. I am a mom to two young children, I am a partner, I am a full-time employee, I am a volunteer, and I do not live within commuting distance to Brock University. Without the developments in technology, completing my BEd in Adult Education would be unachievable. Technology has made these courses available from a distance and on my schedule. I am still able to fulfill my other roles, which are essential, and obtain my degree. In addition, the development of podcasts and MOOC’s have allowed me to learn an incredible number of skills that have helped me evolve as a teacher these past few years.

 ------------------------------------------

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

I didn’t really experience much diversity and changing demographics until I attended college in 2013. When I went to university, most of the students in my program were local. When I attended Niagara College, I had international students in my program for the first time and it was an incredible learning experience. I became friends with people from different countries and learned a lot about their cultures. The authors describe the challenges faced by adult educators aligning the needs and styles of each of their students, and based on my personal experience I can see how that is a challenge. However I believe that having a diverse group of learners offers benefits for everyone.

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

This brings me to my thoughts about technology, and how intertwined it has become with adult ed. Throughout the pandemic I was able to teach virtually, which has opened a whole new world of possibilities for people studying near and far. Many college programs at my school have adopted a hybrid/hi-flex model of teaching where part of the content is online, and part is in person, and some have remained 100% online. The advancements in technology over the last decade have really made it possible to learn from anywhere in the world, but this article has also made me very aware of my own privilege as someone living in Canada who has access to a computer with internet. “It has been estimated that only 12% of the people in the world have computers, and of that, only 8% are connected to the Internet (http://www.miniature -earth.com)” (p.6). Although technology made continued learning possible for many during the pandemic, it is still not accessible to everyone, and we need to be mindful of that during our discussions. 

Reference:

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: linking theory and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Knowledge and information are very important in our everyday lives, especially when it comes to accessing new career opportunities. I have been quite happy at my previous job, however, as job websites are open, I check for new positions regularly. It was out of pure luck that I found my current position which was just posted. This initial digging was rewarded with a successful interview and my tailored resume and cover letter fit their profile. With all the information thrown at you, I believe there is value in sorting and filtering what is most useful for an individual.