Foundations of Adult Learning Theory

Adult Learner in a Global World

Learning has evolved with the explosion of the internet. Now, anyone with a good internet connection can learn almost anything from anywhere in the world. This global classroom is where I learned most of my knowledge of technology. I watch videos, follow the instructions of the video-instructor, and experiment with the technology by creating my own projects. The traits that I apply to become a video-learner include my ability to understand and follow instructions, my courage to deviate from those instructions and conduct experiments, and the wisdom to stand on the shoulders of giants and create my own projects.

How I learned to Use Camtasia

My video-learning experience has obliged me an obligation to share what I learn. To fulfill this obligation, I had to learn how to create video tutorials. So, I researched video tutorial software and discovered that I would need to learn how to use Camtasia, a screen-recording and video editing software commonly used by video trainers. My experience learning from video tutorials and my desire to fulfill my obligation to share what I learn have motivated me with a passion to continuing learning and using Camtasia.

Camtasia has allowed me to create videos that avoid some of the poor qualities I experienced while learning from video tutorials. For example, some video instructors talk about the lesson while pointing to parts of the screen with only the mouse. It can be frustrating and difficult to follow along with the instructor who only uses the mouse as a pointer. Camtasia, however, has many tools to bring attention to parts of the screen that are of importance to the lesson. This enhances the learning experience by helping the learners follow the lesson content. Callouts, cursor effects, and many more tools in Camtasia help bring the screen to life and enhance the learning experience.

Many video tutorials exist to teach the Camtasia interface. The steps I used to learn Camtasia are the same I use whenever I attempt to learn through videos. I watch the video while following the instructions. Then I would dare to try new tasks and experiment with other functionality of the software. Finally, I create my own projects as a video-instructor would do. This process, however, is a lifelong endeavor as new ideas continue to arise, and new technology continues to advance.

My video-learning experience has helped me avoid the problem of placing textual content on the screen that is difficult to read. If the text that drives the lesson is too small, or if it sits at the bottom of the screen, then it may be difficult to read. I am mindful of this shortcoming since I have experienced such frustration while learning from amateur videos. Like proofreading an essay, I proofview any video content I create, and I try to view it through the eyes of the audience.

Traditional Learning Theory

Although my experience learning how to create video tutorials involves many traditional theories, some of those theories are more influential than others. For example, the humanist Abraham Maslow defines self-actualization as, “the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming” (Acosta-Tello, Shepherd, 2014, 52, citing Maslow, 92). My desire to learn how to create tutorial videos is my attempt to become everything I can become.

Another humanist, Carl Rogers, expresses the notion of the lifelong learner. He defines an educated person as one, “who has learned how to learn … how to adapt and change” (Acosta-Tello, Shepherd, 2014, p.53, quoting Rogers, p.104).  I have learned how to learn. Now, I want to learn how to teach, and that is a lifelong lesson for lifelong learners only.

Adult Learning Theory

While other adult learning theories apply to my general endeavor to learn how to create video tutorials, the principle of experimentation, or hands-on learning (Fairbanks, 2021), plays an influential role in my learning experience. Although my hands do not get dirty sliding the mouse around the mouse pad, my wrists get tired, and my eyes become fatigued.

Combining the traditional humanist learning theory with the adult learning theory of experimentation and hands on training, I am developing the skills and increasing my desire to continue learning how to share whatever I learn. Although I will need to accomplish a lot of learning to be able to fulfill my duties, I have the rest of my life to make my dreams come true.

References:

Acosta-Tello, E., & Shepherd, C. (2014). Equal Access for All Learners: Differentiation Simplified. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching, 7(1), 51–57.

Fairbanks, Brian, 7 adult learning theories and principles to enhance your education, 2021, https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/adult-learning-theories-principles.html

Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. New York: Harper and Row.

Rogers, C. (1969). Freedom to learn. Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill.