Remote Learning and Adult Learners: Why Digital Literacy Matters More Than Ever

Written by Chloe Manning, First Literacy Marketing and Communications Intern

As technology continues to evolve, digital literacy is no longer limited to basic computer skills. Today, it also includes understanding how to interact with artificial intelligence tools, evaluate online information, and adapt to rapidly changing digital environments. For adult learners, this shift can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

In recent years, remote learning has become a much more common way to deliver education, especially for adult learners. Remote learning refers to any type of learning that happens outside of a traditional classroom, usually through digital tools like video calls, online platforms, and other internet-based resources. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and educational programs shifted from in-person classes to virtual ones, using platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom to ensure that educational opportunities remained consistent. In the years following the pandemic, a hybrid learning model was also introduced.

This shift made learning more accessible in some ways, since students could join from home or other convenient locations. At the same time, it also created new challenges, especially for students who weren’t familiar with the technology needed to participate in online classes.

Challenges Adult Learners Face in Remote Learning

For adult learners, access to education isn’t just about whether classes are available. It is essential that adult learners can utilize technology and be able to understand how to participate fully in online learning. Many adults who took a nontraditional path to education or are English Language Learners often struggle with digital literacy skills, which can make remote learning difficult to navigate. Basic skills like typing, using a computer, logging into applications, or joining virtual meetings are often expected, but not everyone has experience with them.

A grant from First Literacy allowed Blue Hills Adult Education to address this gap by piloting a digital literacy course. The digital literacy program helps adult learners build confidence with technology by focusing on practical skills they need for online learning.

For many learners, not having these skills is a major barrier. It can make it harder to sign up for classes, access materials, or fully participate. Programs like these help remove those barriers and make education more accessible.

In addition to struggling with digital literacy skills, many adult learners do not have access to reliable technology, like computers and stable internet. Without these, it’s difficult to even participate in a class.

Procuring childcare is another challenge. Adults with children may struggle to focus on coursework when they must take care of children, especially when learning from home. On top of that, some adult learners deal with feelings of self-doubt, which can manifest as negative assumptions about their ability to use technology or lack of understanding from educators about the unique challenges adult learners face. These attitudes can affect confidence and make learning more stressful.

Finally, some students simply learn better in person. They may need hands-on instruction, immediate feedback, or face-to-face interaction to fully understand the material. For those learners, remote education might not be the best fit.

Advantages of Remote Learning for Adult Learners

Even with its challenges, remote learning offers a lot of benefits for adult learners. One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Many adults are balancing work, childcare, and other responsibilities, so being able to learn on their own schedule makes a huge difference.

Remote learning also removes location as a barrier. People from different areas can take the same classes, which allows for more diverse perspectives and opportunities to connect with others. This can make the learning experience more interesting and collaborative.

For some adult learners, being in a familiar environment like their home can also make them feel more comfortable and less pressured than a traditional classroom setting.

Tips for Educators Conducting Remote Classes for Adult Learners

To be able to support adult learners in remote settings, educators should work to provide a learning environment that is clear, supportive, and easy to navigate. Since adult learners often have busy lives and different levels of comfort with technology, teaching strategies need to reflect that.

1. Give clear and consistent instructions. When the guidelines aren’t clear, it’s easy for students, especially those new to online learning or learning English, to feel overwhelmed.
2. Break up tasks into simple steps. Instead of giving instructions as one large piece of information, separate tasks that you want students to complete into smaller, easy to understand assignments.  
3. Use visuals or short videos to guide students and help build confidence. Using screen sharing on platforms like Zoom can be a helpful tool to make sure every student is on the same page.
4. Offer technical support. Not everyone starts with the same level of digital experience, so going over how to use platforms like Zoom or Google Classroom at the beginning of a course can be helpful. Ongoing support like virtual office hours can prevent students from falling behind because of technical issues.
5. Create opportunities for interaction. Remote learning can feel isolating, so giving learners chances to connect through discussions, group work, or live sessions helps build a sense of community. When learners feel connected, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
6. Be flexible. Adult learners often juggle a lot — offering flexible deadlines, recording lessons so learners can review them in their own time, or asynchronous options can make remote learning more manageable.

Ensuring Access and Addressing Barriers for Adult Learners

Remote learning has changed education, creating both new opportunities and ongoing challenges for adult learners. While its flexibility makes learning more accessible, barriers like limited digital skills, lack of reliable technology, and competing responsibilities can still make it difficult to fully participate.

With the right support—such as digital literacy training, access to resources, and thoughtful teaching approaches—these challenges can be reduced.

When educators and organizations focus on meeting learners where they are, remote learning can become not just an option, but a meaningful and empowering path forward. Ultimately, this support helps adult learners build confidence, develop new skills, and stay engaged in their academic journeys.