ICT Tools for Lifelong Learning: Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement in Adult Education

Abstract

The role that modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools play towards facilitating distance learning and adult education makes it possible to learn at any time. The research measured the effectiveness of YouTube, Google Classroom, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams as digital platforms for learning ICT tools. The research design was multi-phased: one hundred adult learners filled in an online questionnaire and twenty of them participated in semi-structured interviews. The quantitative aspect analysed engagement and effectiveness in relation to accessibility while the qualitative aspect provided contextual information about the learners’ preferences and challenges. Results showed that most of the students who participated in the survey preferred self-paced learning through YouTube videos because of their accessibility, while Google Classroom and Zoom provide organized face-to-face classroom learning. Still, barriers such as the digital divide, usability, and disengagement issues are present. The study underscores the need for the design of learning environments that are easy to use, flexible, and interactive to address diverse adult learners’ needs.