This article from the April 2005 issue of eLearn Magazine is subtitled Online Learning is Not Just for Kids Anymore: "... the online presence of Americans now aged 65 and older jumped 25 percent over the last year, to a total of almost ten million surfers, according to a new study by Nielsen/NetRatings. Seniors are logging on more than ever and will surely create a new market for online learning."
"The recently released Pew Internet and American Life Project entitled 'Older Americans and the Internet' provides much insight into the future of seniors online. It states that 22 percent of Americans 65 and older use the Internet, a figure that has increased 47 percent since 2000. And the study specifically says that once seniors get online, they are just as enthusiastic as younger users, representing a huge untapped demographic. E-learning providers must recognize this market and take advantage of it."
The article does not provide detailed information about this trend, but does point out that very few e-learning providers have tried to direct their efforts toward this new market. My own view is that most seniors are more likely to be self-directed users of free online learning resources than enrollees in online courses or certificate programs. Seniors do represent a new community of learners somewhat different from traditional learning pathways that are oriented toward degrees, certificates, and vocational goals. ___JH
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