Digital adult education: The impact of transitioning from in-class to emergency remote learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62695/VTVL5830

Keywords:

Emergency remote learning,, andragogy, adult education,, adult learning, synchronous online learning

Abstract

The Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability, which offers general education courses to people aged 16+, adapted to emergency remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper we explain the support structures that had to be put in place, requiring a quick and effective response from educators and learners. We also present ex-ante and ex-post data gathered from stakeholders through administrative data and a satisfaction survey. These serve as a snapshot of the adaptability and willingness of adult learners and educators to engage with e-learning. They are also a springboard for reflection and planning for the Directorate and other educational establishments concerned with andragogy.

Author Biographies

Jeannine Vassallo, Department for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability: Floriana, Malta

Jeannine Vassallo is currently employed as Senior Manager within the Education Ministry's Research Unit. Jeannine has worked in the delivery, regulation, research and policymaking of welfare and education services and at the House of Representatives. J eannine holds a B.A. (Hons.) Anthropology (Melit.), M.Sc. Social Research (Edin.), M.Sc. Integrative Health and Social Care (Derby) and CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma.

Nadine Zammit, Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability at MEYR

Nadine Zammit B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics and Physics, PGCE Mathematics, works as a statistician at the Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability within the Ministry for Education. With eight years’ experience in the education sector, her field of expertise includes pedagogy and teaching STEM subjects.

Mahira Spiteri, Ministry for Education, Malta

Mahira Spiteri is a Project Manager at the Ministry for Education. She holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy (L Universita’ ta’ Malta) and an M.A. in Cooperation and Development (University of Pavia). She has worked as a coordinator with a local NGO, an LSE, and has taught Philosophy.

Gary Lee Doublet Meagher, Research Unit, Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability, MEYR

Gary Lee Doublet Meagher B.Sc. (Communication Therapy), M.A. Interpreting Studies, has worked within education policy and research for the past 4 years and is currently employed as Manager II (Research) within the Ministry for Education's Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability. His expertise lies in child development, developmental psychology, speech-language acquisition and use, as well as education policy.

Downloads

Published

15-09-2021

How to Cite

Vassallo, J., Zammit, N., Spiteri, M., & Meagher, G. L. D. (2021). Digital adult education: The impact of transitioning from in-class to emergency remote learning. Malta Journal of Education, 2(1), 274–294. https://doi.org/10.62695/VTVL5830

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2021): Malta Journal of Education (MJE)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Jeannine Vassallo,, Nadine Zammit, Mahira Spiteri

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.