(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mouwers–Singh, Constance; February, Colette
This study explored the learning journeys of graduate students in an online master’s programme
with the view to understand the challenges, successes, identities and distinct attributes they
may bring to the programme. Historically the literature largely points to adult students being
commonly portrayed only in terms of the challenges they may be experiencing in higher
education settings. Arguably it may be an under–researched area as to whether adult learners
may already be active online learners and digital citizens when they seek access to certain
higher education programmes. The study, therefore, explored the kind of contribution adult
learners bring to certain educational settings, the learnings adult learners may be seeking, and
what they may be acquiring especially in terms of lifelong learning, online learning, and as
digital citizens.