The Facilitation of Online Learning for Middle-aged Employees

In recent decades, online learning has dominated all industries, while middle-aged employees might find it challenging to switch offline to online work environments. The study explored (1) the characteristics of effective online learning programs for middle-aged people, and (2) the benefits of online learning related to the work-life capacities of middle-aged people. This study used qualitative phenomenology and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The participants included twenty human resources (HR) or learning development managers, nine females and eleven males. All managers from national or multinational companies used online learning during the last three years. The study revealed that online learning for middle-aged has specific characteristics: focus on practical or strategic skills, combining online tools and offline activities, clear time-limit, including multigeneration, small numbers of participants, and applying a personal approach. The study also indicated that online learning for middle-aged needs to be integrated and combine more than one activity. Lastly, the study showed that the benefits of online learning for middle-aged people are the refreshment of knowledge, work-skill renewal, and growth mindset awareness. To conclude, a monitoring program should be implemented to ensure output quality and achieve the learning goals. The researchers suggested further research to explore learners' barriers and how they cope with online situations.