For many adults, distance learning, online learning, or as many are now calling it, e-learning, provides opportunities to continue your educational pursuits while working, raising a family, or when you do not have immediate access to a campus. E-learning can be undertaken in a variety of forms, but its central feature is that the learning takes place when the instructor and students are not in a traditional "face-to-face" classroom. Traditional interaction, whether between faculty and students or students with their fellow learners, is conducted through some form of technology. That technology, more and more, is the computer and the Internet.

E-learning offers you options not available in on-campus learning situations and provides flexibility and convenience for a growing number of adult learners needing to balance work and family responsibilities. Learn more about e-learning in the following sections, assess your readiness for it, and review tips and tools for success. CALL makes it even easier, with resources, services and specialized programming designed for you to reach your educational goals.

Adult and e-learners…you are not alone!

There has been an explosion of adults returning to college over the past decade, attending as both full-time and part-time students, on campus, off-campus and in growing numbers through e-learning. Indeed more than 6 million adults attend college in the United States, and the average age of the college student continues to rise. You will not be the only adult in class!

The reasons for this growth are numerous. Changing demands in the workforce; the need to secure new job skills or to update existing ones; employer requirements to secure certification, licensure, or to renew them; a desire to pursue a new career path; or simply a desire to engage in learning all contribute to the growth. One other factor — the changing ways in which higher education is delivered — has opened the door to many new adult learners. E-learning has provided learning opportunities in more convenient ways, allowing those adults, like you, with busy work schedules, family commitments, and other responsibilities and activities the opportunity to learn.

No longer is a commute to a campus or off-campus center during rush hour or a long commute over country roads a hindrance. As more and more colleges and universities establish and expand online learning courses, programs, and related services for learners, the traditional barriers of time and location have been reduced dramatically. And with the growth and availability of "high tech" tools and innovative instructional programming that allow faculty to move course content and activities "online," e-learning is getting better and better.

Is E-learning Right for Me?

That's an oft-asked question. It is for most individuals, but not necessarily for everyone. To determine if e-learning is right for you, visit this helpful student online readiness tool:

Welcome aboard and good luck in your educational pursuits! If you have completed the Student Online Readiness Tool and want more information, then you can discover MORE answers to your questions, and many others, in the next section regarding the myths and realities about adult learners and learning online.

Adults and E-learning... some Myths and Realities

The following questions and answers may be helpful in addressing some of the myths and realities surrounding adults and e-learning and may answer some of the questions you have about the legitimacy and acceptability of e-learning.

1. Can I really take courses or even complete a degree without setting foot on the campus?

Yes, you can do this and more students are doing so. A growing number of students at colleges and universities across the state are taking advantages of 100% online courses and degree programs!  Other students are combining online courses with traditional "face-to-face" courses in what is called a "blended" or “hybrid” format. Typically how you attend is dictated by the distance from the campus and your particular desires.

2. Are the credits I earn through e-learning real credits that would be recognized by another college or university if I decided to transfer?

There are really two questions here. The first is an unequivocal yes — the courses you enroll in through the CALL are real courses offering real credits from fully accredited colleges and universities. As to whether these real credits will transfer depends on several factors, including the college or university you are attempting to transfer the credits to (they ultimately decide on whether credits will transfer) and your degree program.  Often it depends on whether the course you have taken is one needed at the other institution, etc. 

3. I've been told by some friends who have taken e-learning courses that they are tough and quite rigorous. Is that true?

Yes, it is — you are taking real courses from regular faculty members and the rigor (requirements, grading, and work) will be similar to on-campus courses. Some students make the incorrect assumption that e-learning courses are easy, don't require much work, and you don't have to plan or organize very much. If you approach the courses in that way, you will find them quite tough.

4. I don't have great computing skills, my old pc is slow, and my dial-up modem is 28.8 or something like that. Are these real problems?

They may be, in particular, if you do not have the right equipment or equipment configuration. Click here for suggested basic computer requirements.

For most courses you will not need to have excellent computing skills as long as you are not a person who doesn't like to use a computer. Since much of your input will be by keyboard (for online courses), some keyboarding skills are helpful. But typically you will not have to be an expert in software packages to participate and to be effective.

For some courses, your computer and modem won't be a problem, although it will be a bit slow.  In other courses, speed counts and a higher speed modem and faster processor in your computer will save you lots of time. You should check with your college or university about the program or course requirements to learn what the "tech specs" are for you. Click here to test your computer’s readiness for online classes.

Basic Computer Requirements Checklist:

• Is your computer up-to-date with an operating system no more than three years old (i.e., Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP, or Microsoft Vista)?
• Is your computer equipped with current word processing and multimedia presentation software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access 2003 or 2007)?
• Is your computer reliable, meaning that it does not "lock up" or "freeze" frequently?
• Is your computer running a current virus protection program?
• Do you have technical support if you have a computer problem?

Reliable hardware and software is imperative for one to participate in an online course. If you answered "no" to any of the preceding questions, you may want to consider registering for a traditional face-to-face course. Unreliable hardware and software can be detrimental to your success in an online course.

5. What kinds of interaction can I expect from my instructor and my fellow students?

Are you concerned about missing out on the "give and take" in a classroom setting? A good question without a single answer. First, many e-learners indicate that they have more interaction in online courses than they have previously had in traditional courses. They indicate that faculty actually respond to their questions and they have constant dialogue with the faculty and other students in the course. Your faculty member, or course format, has lots to do with the interaction. If he/she engages, encourages, or even demands your input, there will be lots of interaction. If he/she does not, you can sit in the "back" of the classroom just like many other students have in large lecture halls and take notes. But you should expect to have lots of interaction in your online course.

6. Are student services that typically are available to students on-campus available for e-learners?

And more importantly, are the services provided to me as an e-learner any good? Participating CALL campuses across the state have placed an emphasis on student services for e-learners.   New strategies and structures are in place for providing the necessary services for e-learners, from online libraries to textbook services, to special arrangements for exams. For example, e-learners can register and pay bills online, as well as access other services such as online tutoring. Interestingly, these same services are now demanded by on-campus students. Like you, they like the ability to pay a bill online at 2:00 in the morning, to drop/add a course online or to search an online library collection to complete a paper (which they submit to their faculty member online).

7. I am an older adult. Can I keep up with the kids in the course, most of whom have grown up with a computer and are savvy with this e-learning?

Indeed, you can and will probably show those youngsters the way to learn. Once you get over the fear of engaging in learning with the "kids" you will be just fine. You bring experiences to the classroom, in this case a virtual classroom, just like you do in a traditional classroom, experiences that will benefit all of the learners in the course.  Moreover, CALL degree programs have been designed with the adult, online learner in mind and with special emphasis on student engagement in the course.

8. Are there some tricks to learning in an e-learning environment? Any insights on how to make this an enjoyable activity?

If by tricks, you mean strategies for learning, there are some.  If you mean shortcuts, that's a different story. (We don't have any of those, and wouldn't tell you if we did!) Seriously, you need to develop a strong plan for learning, develop a comfortable regimen for when you will get online, when you will read, etc. and be committed to that plan. Engage your instructor and fellow students — don't be shy or passive. Indeed many e-learners have suggested they feel emboldened in e-learning courses because they have no fear of asking a silly question or offering a poor response.

9. Will I use textbooks or will I have to read off a computer screen all the time?

You will probably do a bit of both.  Online instructors require their students to use some textbooks and traditional materials in hard copy and also have information and assignments available to you via the Web. One option is to print text on the screen to your printer. The texts and tools you will use in an e-learning course are essentially the same as a regular course only the delivery method is different.

10. I’ve got other questions but those are enough for now. I'm ready to get started. What are my next steps?

Learn more about the fast-track, online degree programs available at Louisiana public college and university campuses across the state by clicking here. You are right where you need to be. Simply contact us for more information on e-learning courses and programs. Finally, consider applying now for one of the CALL degree programs.  Good Luck.

Fast-Track Degree Program Options
The CALL program offers degrees for the working adult’s schedule.  These programs are offered almost exclusively online in a format conducive for accelerated learning. Click here to see the full list of degrees currently available.