Education Learning Technologies in Adult Education

Any tool designed to extend a learners capacity for effective ac-tion and that requires skill and certain strategies to use efficiently is a learning technology (Burge 2001, p. 146). A well-structured face-to-face group discussion, a pencil, and print materials fit this definition as do newer tools such as web-based conferencing (ibid.). One of the greatest myths surrounding learning technologies is re-lated to what they are. Because of the term technology, it is frequently believed that learning technologies are instructional devices that make use of computers, the Internet, or some other type of elec-tronic technology such as video and television. Newer learning technologies are changing the shape of the land-scape in adult education, however. Distance education is burgeon-ing and web-based training opportunities abound. In many circles, learning technologies have been adopted uncritically. This Myths and Realities explores beliefs about the newer learning technologie