The Future of Community-Based Services and Education AET/508 By: Richard Stonebraker March 6, 2014

Introduction Community-based services and adult education are always changing and constantly morphing into new ideas, technologies, theories, and approaches. Over the next 15 years we can expect to see a change in both of these areas; while the future is unknown, we can assume that there will be progression and recession made in some aspects of community-based services and adult education. This presentation takes a small glimpse into the possibilities that the future may hold.

Key considerations in anticipated changes As time begins to evolve we can anticipate that we will see the numbers of enrollments indentifying as adult education climb. Online enrollment is predicted to continue growing, as this is one of the easiest ways for adult individuals to return to gain their education. Four Types of online learners indentified (can also be applied to traditional adult learners as well)("Identify Future Trends In Adult Online Higher Education With New Report", 2008). : Career Climbers Perfection Seekers Mid-Life Changers Content Dreamers

Key considerations in anticipated changes cont’d According to "Identify Future Trends In Adult Online Higher Education With New Report" (2008), a brief overview of the types of learners indentified are: Career Climbers: young, junior level professionals driven by career aspirations and future earning potential. Perfection Seekers: accomplished, older professionals who are most interested in meeting their own expectations and doing the best job they possibly can. Mid-Life Changers: the smallest group identified. This type of learner is looking for something new and different. Content Dreamers: will one day likely be an online learner. Young, well educated, and well compensated. They have a comfortable lifestyle but will add on continuing education credits in the future.

Consideration in Changes Most adult learners are very busy individuals, as we’ve discussed previously, with their daily lives, work, family, etc. Adult education has to be able to fit into the “extra” time these individuals have. While most colleges that offer continuing education classes, or classes geared toward working adults [evening classes, and online classes] there is still going to be a need to improve upon those offerings. The future for adult education will see more institutes becoming competitive. Boasting their accreditation status, prestige, personalized support services, and full-service financial aid are all areas that we can beat will become competitive between adult education providers.

Changes in Technology One thing that we know is a constant change is technology. The use of technology is always changing, proving for areas of advancement in adult education. As Schmidt, S. W., PhD. (2013) pointed out in his paper “The Future of Adult Education,” Technology provides adult educators and learners flexibility within the programs offered and allows for more innovation within the discipline. Adults typically no longer stay within one job for their entire life; moving about as they progress in their careers. Schmidt, S. W., PhD. (2013) also points out that demographic shifts have an effect on the future of adult education. As baby boomers retire, they look for leisure-time learning activities.

Changes in Technology The development of technology such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media sites has made the lines of communication between adult educators, students, and supporters. As the future progresses we will be able to see the shift from traditional college lectures to more innovative ones that allow the students to become more involved.

Adult Education Diversity As it is with any type of educational setting, adult education has its arm of diversity too. While we often times think of adult education as a formal setting (attending college classes, online learning, etc.) we have to also take into consideration that adult education encompasses adult learning. Adult learning is the cognitive process internal to the learner; it is what the learner does in a teaching-learning transaction (Merriam & Brockett, 2007, pp. 5-6). Thus it’s safe to say the education cannot happen without learning.

Adult Education Diversity The future of adult education will see even more diversity entering its domain within the coming years. For so long adult education was thought of being working adults (around the age’s of 30+ returning for schooling) but as the economy within the United States is changing we are seeing younger individuals who have been in the workplace for a short amount of time returning to school [while working] to continue education in order to obtain higher pay, better jobs, stay in the job they are at, etc. I believe we will see this change continue within the next 15 years-maybe even sooner. I myself am an example of this. I’m only 24 years old have been out in the workforce for two years but have now returned back to school to earn a higher degree, while working, to that I can obtain a higher paying job.

Conclusion The future of adult education can have many facets; diversity, technology, access to education, affordability, etc. Predicting what that future might be is very hard-we know it until we live it. However, by looking at the trends that are currently taking place in adult education, we can make some hypothesis as to what will happen. In this presentation the considerations of changes were presented along with the areas of technology and diversity for what the future may hold in adult education.

References Identify Future Trends in Adult Online Higher Education with New Report. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/07/23/idUS13492 7+23-Jul-2008+BW20080723 Schmidt, S. W., PhD. (2013). The future of adult education. Adult Learning, 24(2), 79-81. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1430244220?account id=458 Merriam, S. B., & Brockett, R. G. (2007). The Profession and Practice of Adult Education . San Francisco , CA: Jossey-Bass.