Lifelong Learning and Distance Education

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Li Feng

Li Feng China’s Ministry of Education has been promoting the concept of lifelong learning for some years. Here is the Wikipedia definition of lifelong learning:

Lifelong learning, also known as LLL, is the ‘lifelong, lifewide, voluntary, and self-motivated’ pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.*

Although lifelong learning is not a new concept in Chinese culture, in reality most people consider learning to be exclusively associated with children and young adults. Once a person graduates, s/he is “done with school” and should start “giving back to the society.” However, with the development of the society, it is increasingly important for people to continue learning for future development in their careers and lives. In this social context, the concept of lifelong learning is increasingly recognized and accepted.

Lifelong learning tends to be learning/learner-centered whereas traditional learning tends to be knowledge/teacher-centered. In the former, learners are motivated to actively take on learning tasks by needs, interests, or desire. To them it is more of a choice than an obligation. Lifelong learning happens more often among adults who tend to be more self-directed than younger learners as they are more empowered to make decisions and play a central role in their own learning. In self-directed learning, adults tend to take the responsibility to determine their own individualized learning goals, contents, methods, and outcomes, realizing lifelong learning in this way.

Distance education may serve as a platform for lifelong learning of adults. As technology is changing the society, it is transforming education as well. For example, computer technology breaks the confinements of time and space, providing technical scaffolding for individualized learning. Also, the development of technology makes it possible for information to be shared across the globe. All this provides opportunities for learners to access learning materials and conduct learning activities ANY TIME and ANYWHERE, which meets the demand of lifelong learning.

UMassOnline has been a top choice among professional in the United States in their lifelong learning projects. Learners can take courses and complete degrees while they are working full time. Convenience and flexible schedules are the most common feedback that we hear from these lifelong learners. As Chinese professionals respond to the call for lifelong learning by the Ministry of Education, I believe more and more people will look at distance education, especially the online format, as their preferred learning approach.

Are you considering going back to school to further your education? Have you thought of taking online courses to carry out your lifelong learning? As always, we look forward to hearing your perspectives!

[Source of definition: Wikipedia]

Comments

One Response to “Lifelong Learning and Distance Education”

Criminal Justice Degrees on September 30th, 2009 5:14 am

Thanks, very nice post on distance education. I agree with your point.Thanks for taking the time to post this. No doubt distance education is a better option for one who wants to advance their career without any trouble in their professional life. Distance learning programs based on present market trends, so it is very helpful for those student who want to improve their career with jobs.

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