Baby Boomers Teaching Online Classes: Why It Is A Great Idea
You’d be surprised at what people don’t know how to do anymore because they aren’t taught the skills, to begin with. Or perhaps you wouldn’t be surprised at all.
Take cursive, for example. It sometimes seems as if the art of letter writing has been lost to older generations. However, a decent number of curious literary types are expressing interest in skills now considered antiquated or belonging to a different era: calligraphy, letter-writing, letterpress printing, and handbound books are all experiencing a bit of a renaissance in some circles—albeit the more literary ones, but still—just look at Chicago’s revived letterpress scene.
The art of teaching is just as strong as ever, but it’s experiencing a transformation in the form of online teaching and learning. In this age of educational privatization, it makes sense for even public education teachers to cash in on the eLearning phenomenon. Let’s examine ways older adults can get into or re-enter the field, as well as reasons why it’s worth their proverbial while.
Advancements In Educational Technology
Online teaching and educational technology are the way of the future, for a variety of reasons. Not only do younger people naturally gravitate toward it, but older folks stand a chance to be more connected to friends and loved ones regardless of location. This online advantage extends to remote work as well. Therefore, from adaptive technology to new programs for online educators, edtech has become the norm rather than the exception.
Most newer computers have online cameras if you choose to go the old-fashioned route and utilize YouTube. However, with a few simple app installations, you can easily film step-by-step techniques, create a PowerPoint presentation, or communicate with students online. All you need is a smartphone!
Furthermore, the use of technology in teaching is more democratic than elitist, as some might argue, since technology centers around the learner rather than the instructor. According to Concordia University, “Using technology in the classroom makes learning less teacher-centered and more student-centered, allowing students to be more independent and drive their own learning.”
Seniors and baby boomers are especially poised to cater to their peers, because they are more familiar with the challenges and frustrations of returning to school as an older adult learner, having to learn entirely new types of technology. Such as Project Management, chat platforms like Slack, and other tools commonly utilized by online educators. For this reason, as well as others, online education is swiftly becoming a booming industry.
Viable Income Stream For Retirees
Baby boomers looking to start a business can do so with the help of a reliable internet connection and a simple grasp of technology. Online teaching and learning are becoming the norm for many college students due to the skyrocketing price of traditional college tuition. What used to be considered a niche market is becoming more mainstream.
Consider what lifelong hobbies could become viable income opportunities. For example, learning about Photoshop could allow a lifelong photography hobby to evolve into a lucrative income stream. In turn, after you start teaching Photoshop online, say, your newfound experience could allow other baby boomers and seniors to monetize their passion for photography in a practical way, too.
Not only will your job prospects improve, but you’ll remain a vital resource to employers and other entrepreneurs looking to widen their circle of business contacts and online technology skills. Providing you’re willing to teach a course on skills that are in demand in the workplace (or elsewhere), you’re likely to be able to monetize your online classes.
Are you among the many who will begin teaching online courses over the next decade? Are you interested in finding out more about your options, when it comes to teaching online? There are plenty of free eLearning resources readily available to aspiring eTeachers, both here and elsewhere online.
Share your thoughts or experience in the comments section below!
