This year’s situation brought new tasks, challenges and opportunities for AE.
For educators at all levels, from kindergartens to adult education, the coronavirus crisis has given us an opportunity to delve into the question of how we are equipped for distance learning. We are interested both in the technological aspect and in the knowledge needed for this form of learning. Thanks to the present circumstances, we have an opportunity to generate new research and studies on distance learning. SIAE colleagues were also among those who wanted to know how adult educators are dealing with this situation. The results of the study entitled Experience with Adult Education from a Distance during the Pandemic were presented by Dr Tanja Možina on 21 September. This Day for Quality was a joint LLW campaign for the second year in a row.
The study was authored by Dr Tanja Možina, Sonja Klemenčič and Dr Marko Radovan. The evaluation included all AECs and vocational and secondary schools that provide adult education. U3A mentors who provided distance education during the pandemic were also included. The questionnaire was completed by directors, professional associates and teachers or mentors from these institutions.
During the coronavirus crisis, we learned that there are huge differences between individuals, organisations, students and teachers, that knowledge on the use of ICT needs to be upgraded and that we need knowledge on how to prepare suitable teaching materials for distance learning. We found that distance learning is much more than just publishing materials and shifting the responsibility onto the participant. On the other hand, we also realised that we are adaptable, teachable and resourceful. Every crisis is an opportunity to grow and develop. We must also keep in mind how social isolation affects an individual. For many adults, education is also a social event that offers socialisation and routine, which are very important for a person.
Like the coronavirus crisis, education and learning affect all corners of an individual’s life.
Petra Šmalcelj (petra.smalcelj@acs.si), SIAE
