Lecturer in Indonesian studies, Dr Jane Ahlstrand, has found that online technologies are enticing older learners into higher education by removing barriers such as distance. 

“In my year so far at UNE, I have discovered that our older/retired students are some of the most committed and motivated members in my class. They deserve recognition, and I also see a lot of potential in directing more of our attention to people in this demographic. Here is my student’s story:”

Allan Owen worked in Indonesia as a representative of DFAT’s Australian Volunteers International in the 1970s to the late 80s. He had many fond memories of life in Indonesia, making friends while developing some skills in the language.

Now, at the age of 76, Allan decided to reawaken his language skills and “do something useful” with his life by enrolling as an online student of Indonesian in the Diploma of Modern languages.  

Allan has limited mobility these days, and he has found that online study has been extremely suitable for him. He joins the online class every Tuesday from 5 – 7 pm from his home in Tamworth, and interacts with a group of other students from across Australia of different ages and backgrounds. Allan has developed a strong command of technology, using Moodle, MyMedia, Zoom and Word to participate in the unit. Allan has enjoyed learning the language with us, as it keeps his mind active, and he has the chance to interact with others every week.