Lifelong Learning opportunities in a digital society

Like in the 13^th Century when a borderless network of universities began to spread the internet was from the beginning a network of scientists beyond the reach of the national governments. Later this developed into a global and anarchistic discussion forum to on the brink of the 21^st Century take another step to become the global interactive marketplace it is today. A market for social networking, collaboration, ideas, products, and services, which means an environment where continual updates and upgrades of knowledge and skills are required. Parts of the educational world have taken on this challenge, while Lifelong Learning opportunities still is underdeveloped.

Access barriers and monopolization

In the 13^th Century, it was a very small and privileged group that had access to the scholars’ republic. A continual nationalization of the universities appeared during the following centuries, so in the 1960s the borderless network was almost gone. However, at that time a new era of the scholars’ republic’s independence saw its first light of dawn, thanks to the internet. Many more universities were now available, many more had the chance to get a university degree, but the academic world was still a place for the privileged few.

The web is in this perspective a wall-breaker and democratization engine of education and learning where its first institution and driving force is MOOC (Massive open online course). This is an entrance for everybody within many fields of interest to the scholars’ republic. However, is this the only possible form of borderless education for lifelong learners in higher education? What about lower levels with perhaps more skill-based or mindful learning?

Opening up Lifelong Learning opportunities

In general, to open up more lifelong learning opportunities is to hurry up the shift from the national systemic approach of education into a more humanistic approach. This means a shift from the old closed system that generates exclusion especially of those who do not fit the norm that the system is based upon. And instead, direct the driving forces on an inclusive open approach. Like education and learning based on an open-source foundation.

To quote Professor Peter Scott:

“We have been successful in establishing a mass higher education system – but we have been much less successful in creating a proper system of lifelong learning.”

This is definitely one of the main challenges to make lifelong learning more workable. Where some of the main questions are: How to upgrade lifelong learning in an open context? How to value the quality of lifelong learning?

In this spirit, eLearningworld Europe AB has developed a solution with a focus on lifelong learning in the digital society by combining the ancient power and empowering of the book with the interactivity of modern technology. We believe that the interactive book, or interaQtive book in our interpretation of the concept, will have a huge impact on both formal and informal learning, especially lifelong learning opportunities. Learn more about the concept here.

Written by
LarsGöran Boström©

Author of the book Learning Design in Practice for Everybody

About the Book

Learning is a challenge. To design a workable learning experience is even more challenging. It is like moving art with a well-defined purpose and goals. This book is intended to work as a practical guide to improve the prospects for you to succeed in your learning design project.

It includes four parts, beginning with an introduction to learning design including the latest trends within the field. Then the knowledge and skills are gradually built up by describing tools to use for emphatic human-centered and efficient learning design. The third part exploring the 6i-model and puts it into practice. The 6i-model is a framework that includes a foundation of six stages and guidance for designing excellent learning experiences and other creative projects. The last part of the book is targeting present and future prospects for you as a Learning Designer.