Attracting Adult Learners in the Social Media Era

Bob Johnson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:49:00 GMT

Creating top-notch “curb appeal” with your website is the key first step in attracting adult students in the Social Media Era, according to higher education branding expert Bob Johnson of Bob Johnson Consulting. Failing to make a favorable first impression can be a major obstacle in recruiting adult learners, who increasingly make their initial forays into continuing education via web searches.

In a recent interview with EducationDynamics (http://sharing.educationdynamics.com/blogs/interviews/archive/2009/10/26/attracting-adult-learners-in-the-social-media-era.aspx), Johnson shared his insight into the specific information adult learners are seeking, and offered advice on best practices for creating an effective website designed to keep prospective students involved in the process.

After attracting adult learners with a great first impression, schools must follow through with information helpful to adults seeking the most efficient and effective path for furthering their careers. Adult learners in particular are seeking details of flexible options, including online learning and shorter courses, to determine which programs will fit with work and family demands. Testimonials and post-graduation career success stories from previous students are vital tools adult learners use to gauge the likely effectiveness of a program. Johnson's article also offers advice on the one vital website "remodel" cash-strapped schools can undertake to improve their chances of attracting and enrolling adult students.

To view the article in its entirety, visit http://sharing.educationdynamics.com/blogs/interviews/archive/2009/10/26/attracting-adult-learners-in-the-social-media-era.aspx. If the article brings to mind proven tactics that have worked for your adult learning programs, please share your comments with the community.

Do you know that a clear majority of prospective adult students prefer to take their next course in a “hybrid” or blended format? Do you know that they also have caught up with their traditional aged counterparts in using the internet, almost exclusively,

Carol Aslanian — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:08:00 GMT

These issues and more will be discussed at our upcoming seminar “Competing For Adult Students” in Chicago on October 22-23.

According to our recent research studies, more adult students are citing “career change” as their motivation for learning than at any time in the last decade. At the seminar we will discuss how private colleges (and savvy, nimble public institutions) can capitalize on the budget cuts at many of the nation's public universities and serve more adult students in need of higher education. With the recent spike in unemployment there are more adults seeking education and (re)training than at any time in the past decade. You will discuss with fellow attendees how your institution can pick up the slack left by the public institutions that have had to cut enrollments due to financial constraints.

Additional topics to be covered include:

· What are the hottest degree and nondegree programs for adult undergraduate and graduate students?

· What course formats must you offer to attract adult students?

· What are the most cost-effective lead generators for your institution?

· How do you ensure your website “speaks” to adult students?

· How do you effectively use “low tech,” inexpensive methods to boost enrollments?

Higher Ed Dialog : adult student

Attracting Adult Learners in the Social Media Era

Do you know that a clear majority of prospective adult students prefer to take their next course in a “hybrid” or blended format? Do you know that they also have caught up with their traditional aged counterparts in using the internet, almost exclusively,