Globalization, Changing Demographics, and Technology by DrRobbins https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr Choose one video and describe three succinct ways its topic affects adult education. How does your post align with others'? en-us 2016-09-30 00:10:04 UTC 2016-10-10 05:12:58 UTC hello@padlet.com Brian Meza https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128201180 The globalization video presents our ever-increasing connectivity as both a blessing and a curse.  This oscillation between hope and fear reminds me of how changes in education can be viewed as opportunities and/or challenges.  The video uses the phrase, “managing globalization” to bring attention to the need for awareness, similar to how educators must manage the innovation occurring with technology in the classroom for example.  Intentionality must drive our decision-making, connecting each new technological innovation to mission, to avoid simply a passing fad.  Just as “glory can be its (globalization) downfall”, so too can the enticing bells and whistles associated with the new device added to the classroom.  The very fact that globalization is happening calls us to embrace its potential.  It connects us and reminds us that we are at our best when called to work together in community.  This hopeful focus on solidarity is again reminiscent of what technology can do for us when integrated wholly with mission and curriculum.  Teachers who recognize technology as a tool in their overall toolkit will be able to capitalize on its ability to enhance student creativity and communication.  Finally, globalization calls us to examine what we mean by MORE.  The “challenge of more” reminds me again of what educators face with the onslaught of standardized testing and curriculum requirements.  We are called to question the more, and consistently connect our decision-making to mission and values.
Sara R.'s post (the concern of leaving old learners behind) reminded me of a quote by John Maxwell -  "People are more comfortable with old problems than they are with new solutions."   So how can be aware of this tendency and be proactive?

]]> 2016-10-04 14:58:45 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128201180 Kelsey Hayton https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128325311 The organization I work for has 42,000 employees worldwide - this means internal communication and training can become more challenging as language and cultural barriers must be overcome. In fact, most of the employees that are trained under our manufacturing platform are ESL learners. This affects adult education because it changes how we, as educators, teach. Whether it is offering online content in multiple translations, supplying iPads at workstations with audio-less video of the task the employee must learn to complete, etc.  It also means as educators that we must get to know other's cultures and their funds of knowledge - this way the content being taught is relevant and relates to their own culture and lived experiences. This could also mean creating/recreating an environment where learners can feel comfortable and safe to share their experiences, even should they differ from the vast majority. Lastly, changing demographics affects adult education's purpose. I think it's purpose is more about creating equal opportunity for all groups through the power of knowledge and critical awakening. ]]> 2016-10-04 19:59:24 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128325311 Johnson Yu https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128426732 Globalization is an important factor in adult learning because while most think globalization is a political and economic phenomenon but within, the exchange of information and knowledge is what makes teaching language possible.  Recent news found out that Japan excavation team found a roman coin in Japan reminded me of the silk road trade that occurred around 114 BCE to 1450 CE. I brought this up because the silk road was the first trade route that connected the west to the east. Foreign language was learned and merchants became richer than kings. There was the idea that globalization created such amazing informational exchange that even English derived from many different languages. So as time passes, the effectiveness in teaching adult another language has evolved as well. Secondly, globalization creates more opportunities around the world which creates goal driven people to learn certain languages to travel to certain area. As an ESL teacher, you'll come to find out that many of your students will be from many different backgrounds, and how you can study their (Learners' Language) to understand certain approach to teaching each individual.  Lastly, the use of technology also creates a new possibility in the teaching world only made possible by globalized mind.  It has become easier to pull information around the world and learn from another person across the globe at the comfort of your home.  Prospect teachers can figure out new ways and methodologies in teaching students. 

]]> 2016-10-05 10:13:54 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128426732 Adriana Jackson https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128444871 While watching the video on technology the following terms stood out: Access to Jobs, Cyber Warfare, Medical Self-diagnosis, and Privacy Managers. As the 2020 Future index indicates the potential of our future, I think it is important to keep in mind the implications for adult education. As technology grows, the job market begins to shift, as educators this means that we must make our material relevant and pertinent to finding jobs.  Another way technology affects adult education, as we have previously discussed, is how individuals are learning, processing information and regurgitating this information to benefit society. In the video it gave the estimate that by 2050 there will be 9 billion people on this planet and 1 billion of them will go hungry, a statistic I find important when speaking to the advancement of society in the realm of technology. Technology, in a way, can remind us of our humanity and reinforces the need for a holistic approach on education and not solely focusing on the advancement of technology for the sake of technology. I find similarities in Brian's statement with regard to globalization and the need for community and fully integrated education. I recognize technology is a key factor in globalization but it is almost necessary to maintain a holistic approach to adult education in order to mitigate the negative impacts these two may have on our world. ]]> 2016-10-05 11:50:03 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128444871 Kelsey, robbinst6 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128659624 Great comments about globalization and how the global workforce how we think about teaching and learning . I'm curious how you might go about creating spaces that are safe and comfortable for people with very different cultural backgrounds.
Dr. R.]]> 2016-10-05 23:27:01 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128659624 Brittany Goff goffb28 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128682480 In today’s world, technology seems to be interconnected in everything we do and adult education is no exception.   As technology advances, adult learners are expected to learn about these new additions to our world.  Often they are required to understand certain technologies for their careers and to keep themselves relevant and competitive.  In addition, daily activities and interactions in a technologically advanced society like ours assumes adults know how to navigate common technologies like, online banking, mobile devices, applications, World Wide Web, email, etc.  
 
Technology not only impacts what adult learners are learning about, but it also impacts how they are learning. For instance, we are all adult learners taking a graduate level course in an online environment. We are learning in a much different way than in a typical lecture/classroom setting.  New or updated technologies can bring forth different mediums for which students can learn or even tailor learning to a student’s preferred learning style.  For instance, if I am someone who has a hard time siting down to read a textbook, I could instead easily get the book in an audio format so that I could listen rather than read it.  
 
Finally, technology can also impact the quantity and quality of what adult learners are learning.  With sites like Google at their fingertips, adult learners can have a plethora of information in seconds.  However, with the ample information there is a greater risk of encountering inaccurate information or citations from unreliable sources.  I feel that having the ability to find out the answer to simple questions in a moment’s notice frees up time and energy to learn other about other areas of interest in a greater depth. 

]]> 2016-10-06 03:51:02 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128682480 Sara Robertson https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128988411 The third video, "Future Vision 2020" is fascinating, but a little disconcerting. Memory chips in the brain, telepathic glasses, thought texts, DNA-printed athletes--they all make GoogleGlass seem tame by comparison! And don't get me started on "earthscrapers!" (Adriana--I share your concern about keeping humanity in focus and not just pursue technology for technology's sake. And Brian, I really appreciate your call to "question the more!")

What is clear is that computing, nanotechnology and biomedicine may eventually combine to create a brave new world in which (1) certain learning tasks can be relegated to computers; (2) medicines and implants might be able to make us even more"smarter," or at least more focused, less sleepy, more optimistic, and perhaps help us with our memory; and (3) the challenge for the adult learner to keep up with changing technology both in the work world and everyday life will only grow.

(1) As an aspiring ESL teacher, I am intrigued by the possibility of computers assisting with interpretation and translation and other communication needs. Microsoft and others are currently working on instantaneous interpreting software that will allow platforms like Skype to have people speak to each other in different languages in real time. Imagine the benefit of this to online business meetings and conferences! (Kelsey--I'm thinking of you and your company!)

(2) We already embrace the use of artificial, body-enhancing technology with cataract surgery, cochlear implants and hip and knee replacements. Some types of epilepsy can be controlled or improved with implanted neurostimulators. When will neurosurgeons design implants and other procedures to improve memory and learning? And will older adult learners be left behind in this process?

(3) Whether it's taking an asynchronous, tech-infused online course, learning how to build a website or write code, or how to change the way we bank, shop and communicate, adult learners must be encouraged and supported. And issues of access and equity become increasingly important as the most prosperous societies and individuals enjoy the fruits of innovation disproportionately.]]> 2016-10-06 22:21:20 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128988411 Patrick Malone https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128997090 The globalization video speaks to how technology continues to shrink the world we live in through greater connectivity, which drives an ever increasingly unified global economy. As innovation and technology increase productivity adult learners will have to be able to adapt to ever changing technological and cultural landscapes by adopting more malleable perspectives and mindsets.

As technology continues to evolve, it introduces new tools which streamline tasks, simplify processes, and increase productivity. As with all technologically innovative times throughout human history, the people and companies who embraced the technological revolutions thrived while the stalwarts who fought the inexorable march of innovation failed. As innovation drives profits, profits will continue to fuel innovation and adult learners must push themselves to stay knowledgeable and competent with the constant onslaught of new technologies. 

With this ever-shrinking world, adult learners will also have to work to continually expand their knowledge of, and ability to effectively interact with people from different cultures around the world. No longer will people simply be asked to work and share ideas with those who grew up around them and share common formative experiences. Step onto any campus or any office building and you will find yourself working closely with people from all over the globe. King County currently boasts a population which speaks over 170 different languages. In order to effectively and respectfully work with so many different cultural groups, adult learners have to take the time and effort to become more culturally responsive and competent.

Today's adult learners are learning in a world that is vastly different than the one they grew up in. While they work to learn content, they must also learn how to use technology, how to effectively engage others from multiple different cultures, and how to address adaptive challenges which have never been seen before. To do this, adult learners must have a growth mindset and a willingness to change their own perspective. As Brian Meza pointed out, we must continually "manage the innovation" by changing our perspectives and attitudes so that we can "embrace its potential."]]> 2016-10-07 00:14:18 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/128997090 Missy Gill https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129008681 The second video of the "Future Vision 2020" is a fascinating yet also somewhat scary snapshot about the increased speed of innovation, and one thing I noticed is that several of the jobs listed (like "child designer") are jobs that don't currently exist. I think it'll become even more important as we get closer to that future for educators to continually update teaching methods, strategies, and technologies to better prepare students for jobs that don't actually exist when they're in school.

Secondly, the segment about the future dangers we face as a result of various things like an increased population - particularly in Africa - scarcity of global resources, global warming, etc. made me think about the current and future role of global stewardship in formal education for adult learners. Although I see some of this happening currently, I think this will become a more important theme as time passes. ( I really like what Brian Meza has to say about this topic; I think that the topics of global solidarity and global stewardship are very intertwined already, and they'll continue to become even more so as the population continues to increase and globalization expands).

In observing the changes the video that innovation and technology will bring to our world, I was struck by the fact that adult learners will need to continually stay up to date on various technologies as they become more integrated in the classroom. It may be the job of adult educators to not only help adult learners with the subjects they're learning in school, but also how to function well in an increasingly digital world. (Sara Robertson - I agree that helping adult learners stay current with technology will be an increasing challenge for educators of adult learners.)]]> 2016-10-07 02:30:09 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129008681 Sara,  robbinst6 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129239050 Excellent exploration of how these technologies may be applicable to your context.  Very insightful!
It seems that the onus is on us, as adult educators, to stay abreast of both the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting these technologies as well as who has access, interest, and literacy.
-Dr. R]]> 2016-10-07 19:47:08 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129239050 Diane Tyshkun https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129260375 After watching the globalization video, a few ideas came into mind. One of which is the multitude of positive benefits globalization has brought our world. We are have access to a vast collection of knowledge at the tip of our fingers. Any questions we may have, the solution and/or information we need can easily be found.As scholars, we also have the opportunity to contribute to the collection of data by doing our own research, or sharing our own experiences! We are able to connect with individuals across the world and together change the world for the better. To be it is absolutely mind blowing how quickly new information can travel from one end of the earth to the other. As adult learners we need to be prepared for this surge of new incoming information. Or as Patrik Malone stated “As innovation and technology increase productivity adult learners will have to be able to adapt to ever changing technological and cultural landscapes by adopting more malleable perspectives and mindset”.  We need to be willing to take in this new information and adapt as the world around us changes. In conclusion, globalization affects adult learning in many ways. We need to be willing and prepared to adapt as the world around us changes. Only then, will we be successful in our endeavors. 

]]> 2016-10-08 01:35:10 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129260375 Response to Dr. R from Kelsey https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129291409 Dr.R,
I have thought long and hard about how to create spaces that are safe and comfortable for very different cultural backgrounds and still do not have a solid answer to provide. I do feel, though, that it starts with educating each other about our different cultures and embracing these differences. We can do this in the workplace through things like an Inclusion Council that teaches various cultures every month and encourages people to participate in cultural events. Or raising awareness/running a campaign that workplace employees feel passionately about - whatever it is, it most come from the employees and what is important to them.]]> 2016-10-08 16:59:55 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129291409 Feney Perez--Technology perezf1 https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129300899 After watching the video on technology, I'm left feeling excited and not at all prepared to educate adult learners in jobs that have not even been created yet! Further more, it builds off of this weeks reading with regards to the interconnections with globalization, changing demographics, and technology. That being said, I think all of our posts align with each other in various capacities as it relates to the social context of learning. I found the following three topics interesting as it relates to adult education Thought to Text, as I see possibilities with addressing ableism in education.  From a equity standpoint this also opens up the conversation of who has access to this emerging technology but its a starting point for folks with mobility limitations.  Broadband for everyone, this will no doubt impact adult education as it opens up the opportunity for internet access and new opportunities for engaging with the world.  It also expands on notions of where learning can occur.  Multilingual Mobiles, seems to be a great way educators can work with international students, ESL students or even with Study Abroad programming.  I share Adriana's thoughts on Jobs Outlook.]]> 2016-10-08 21:07:37 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129300899 Rose Ann E. Gutierrez - Changing Demographics https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129309916 The second video, Changing Demographics, depicts the history of immigration and its changing and evolving patterns within the United States context. Immigration affects adult education in three ways: what classes are offered, pedagogical methods used for class, and certificates or degrees awarded to students. With a growing racially and ethnically diverse group of adults due to immigration, we need to think about what classes post-secondary institutions offer, so they can gain the knowledge and skills to better navigate Americans systems and culture. For example, I know within the last decade, Highline College allocated more of its financial resources to improving Adult Basic Education (ABE)/English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for their students because they saw the need in the community for these classes. Second, since some adult learners are coming from different cultures, educators need to understand what cultural norms are prevalent coupled with how students learn best in a specific culture. Johnson, brought up the point in his post that students come from different backgrounds, and educators must teach those individuals. For example, in Asian countries, students have been socialized to see the instructor as the authority figure; what the instructor says goes without question. On the contrary, in America, students are taught to question and think for themselves. Just because a student is silent or does not raise her/his hand often, this does not equate to a low level of engagement. It might be a cultural adjustment for a student who is not familiar with the values of American education. Educators have a responsibility to understand the needs for their students and unpack it for themselves. Finally, adult learners from immigrant families come to the United States with knowledge and skills, so there needs to be certificates and degrees awarded to further advance their degrees to not have them start over. From personal experience, I have seen Filipino immigrants in Virginia Beach, VA possess college credentials from the Philippines, but when they came to America, those credentials were not valued. We need to create a system where we are leveraging the capital of immigrant adult learners as opposed to perceiving them and their learning in a deficit perspective. As Brittany G. mentioned in her post, we need to ensure their learning and outcomes is competitive and relevant for this evolving technological market.]]> 2016-10-09 04:06:06 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129309916 Steve Leslie https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129382696 After watching both videos  I am feeling an interesting reflection about our world. It seems that we never seem to remember OR study history, and there for we always are destined to repeat it. 
We have dramatic cultural, socio-economic and religious differences that we are being asked to overlook for the "Good" of progressive collective future "One World" culture, and I am Not sure most people really understand what that really means.
Maybe my future education goals might be better suited in a history based education?
Take Care

]]> 2016-10-10 01:20:11 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129382696 Cristina Simental https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129386016
The changing demographics video created by BBC really resonated with me. It explains globalization based on how quick others can move from country to country. Immigration has expanded due to the quickness of travel. The video explains a prediction of ethnicities in 2020. They predict that by 2050, 28% of the population will be white Hispanic. As compared to now, White Hispanics are 15% of the population. I believe colleges and adult educators have to follow immigration trends, we have to constantly be aware of the changing needs of our adult learning population and how the change will affect us. Highline college is a college filled with diversity. Highline has adapted itself to appeal to the diverse population living in King and Pierce county. My father in law the person I did my interview with is taking his formal learning classes in Spanish. Highline offers GED courses in Spanish and has allowed the adult learning Hispanic community a opportunity to complete a education. 


Three ways this videos topics affects adult education is in the population of adult learners. We have to mold ourselves to create a friendly environment for the population we are serving. In addition we have to embrace the level of education those immigrating have. The adult learning community has to build resources based on what learning credentials the students already have. Lastly, the adult educating community has to learn how to teach that specific population, how to learn. 

]]> 2016-10-10 01:40:39 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129386016 Alex Levinson https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129396909 In regards to Globalization, the technology of today and the technology of the future is pushing boundaries and making the world a minuscule place. I thought the video showed a very proactive approach to bringing a community to the table of how technology is shaping everyone's future. I love that the company is pushing for ideas to bring us all together and I am happy to hear that they even stated it could also be a downfall... Technology is innovative, but it is also destructive. However, after watching the video I like the idea of bringing the world together for a common goal, but I wonder if it is obtainable. Some countries won't want to partake in a global movement and what effect will that have? ]]> 2016-10-10 03:17:06 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129396909 Samantha Huckabee https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129399326 After viewing the third video, I think technology will continue to have the greatest effect on adult learning across the world in the coming years. It used to be to access the internet, you needed a computer, but now, more people are accessing it via mobile devices. As the technology continues to develop, people in more remote areas will have access to learning from a wide variety of sources that were previously unreachable to them. The ways we access learning via technology are also changing. Immersive technologies can be used to teach simulated scenarios to students who may not have access to the real thing, such as medical techniques. Finally, crowdsourcing may continue to use everyone’s collective knowledge to solve problems too difficult for one person.]]> 2016-10-10 03:36:55 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129399326 Lori Yu https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129405285 After watching the first video on globalization it is encouraging to know that technology advances has lead more positive influences in life in innovation and communication globally.  It is a method that combines all our ideas together into one, it introduces us to experience new cultures and ways outside of what we are familiar with and changing our quality of human life and education opportunities.  Globalization has open doors to communication from one hemisphere to the next allowing us to learn from one another and grow together stronger.  I agree with Diane that all of us have a chance to share our own experiences and research.  As we are all constantly learning from one another, we are both learners and teachers as others can learn from us.]]> 2016-10-10 04:48:43 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129405285 <b>Anthony DeVito</b> https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129406060 After watching the video on globalization,  here are three ways it affects adult education.
1.) At my school, there are teachers who incorporate Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into their lesson plans. COIL allows classes from around the globe interact with each other in real-time. This would not be possible without globalization. 
2.) With globalization, socialization and traveling across borders is much easier.  This is especially relevant to the international students I work with.  Many of them are able to keep in constant contact with their families back home or are just a direct flight away, something that even 30 years ago might not have been possible.  In addition, we are getting many students from very remote parts of the world, like central Asia, that would not have even heard of the opportunities to study in the US without globalization.
3.) Rapid globalization has indeed caused a cultural identity crisis around the globe. I think this issue has reached academia and higher education is engaging with this problem in many ways.]]> 2016-10-10 05:03:21 UTC https://padlet.com/robbinst6/vgkeqnm1hqzr/wish/129406060