Opinion
Columns and essays in ELM Magazine approach current issues from personal and engaging perspectives. The series of columns "I argue" features texts written by researchers, each presenting a well-argued statement on a topic of their research.
Adult education for people with disabilities: How do you access the inaccessible?
Despite improvements in inclusive education in the compulsory and higher education sectors in the Republic of Ireland, participation by people with disabilities in adult education remains stubbornly low, writes Lisa Maria Reilly in her column.
Adapting to the new normal: The education system in times of crisis
Sometimes systems require a crisis to transform. Adult education must be flexible and adapt quickly to changes and challenges facing us as society, writes Sabine Verheyen, Chair of committee on Culture and Education In European Parliament. The text is a column written for issue 2/2020 on Adult Education and the Unexpected.
Learning freedom in self-isolation
COVID-19 is exposing gaps in infrastructure and is challenging our collective social systems. In Serbia, the situation has highlighted the consequences of the marketisation of adult education, writes Maja Maksimović. The text is a column published in the Speakers' Corner series.
Corona Crisis in Finland: A great leap into virtual adult learning?
The sudden shutdown of the adult education sector has forced institutions to quickly renew their thinking. In Finland, Lauri Tuomi witnessed how piano lessons and Spanish courses were moved online in only a matter of days. The text is a column published in the Speakers' Corner series.
Participation in adult education and the pandemic: Who is missing out?
Low-skilled and low-paid adults are providing essential services and known as key workers during the current pandemic. Will they have better chances for personal and career-related development in the future?, asks Professor Ellen Boeren from the UK. The text is a column published in the Speakers' Corner series.
Senior citizens need learning to facilitate their daily life
Senior citizens can no longer just rely on digital experts at their work place, but have to learn to adopt new technologies by themselves. It is the duty of society to offer systematic and professional digital training based on senior pedagogy in order to facilitate daily life, writes Pirkko Ruuskanen-Parrukoski. The text is a column written for issue 1/2020 Adult Education and Mature Learners.
Has lifelong learning anything to do with urbanisation?
The creation of new learning opportunities in the cities should include also the idea that the negative effects of urbanisation could be solved, writes Lauri Tuomi. The text is a column written for issue 4/2019 on Adult Education and Urban Learning.
“A book, paper, pen – that’s all we need”
The digital transformation has revolutionary consequences also for our continuing education system. It is the trainers that should lead the way, not the students. The text is a column written for issue 3/2019 on Adult Education and Megatrends.
Why is Adult Education neglected – and what can we do to change this?
The adult education sector should try to unite around a common brand and agree on some key messages describing what we are doing, writes Uwe Gartenschlaeger, President of EAEA. The text is a column published in the Speakers' Corner series.
Digital competence for adult educators – now
It is time to take a new look at the digital competence of adult educators. We need to agree on what they need to know, and make sure they all have the necessary time, resources and support to continue to develop their digital competence. The text is a column published in the Speakers' Corner series.
