Innovative Method of Lifelong Learning in the Digital Environment

Introduction

Lifelong learning (LLL) is the “continuous, willful, and self-motivated” pursuit of knowledge either for personal or professional uses. Therefore, it enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development, along with self-sustainability, competitiveness and employability. Thus, LLL is the learning activity undertaken throughout life, for the improvement of knowledge, skills and competences within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related paradigm. It is often considered learning that occurs after the formal education years of childhood (where learning is instructor-driven—pedagogical) and into adulthood (where the learning is individually-driven—andragogical). In today’s fast-growing world filled with continuous changes, formal education seems to be insufficient and inappropriate for the needs of modern society. These shortcomings can be removed by introducing LLL through formal, non-formal, and informal education. LLL enables individuals of all ages to access knowledge and development of competency (Pureta, 2015). LLL allows acquisition of knowledge to persons whose have crossed the age of formal learning and informal learning is not close at hand. The term LLL stands for a consistency in learning over one’s life in and beyond educational settings that means there are many common ways in which learning takes place (Laal et al., 2013). With the rapid change of technology, individuals must adapt and learn to meet day-to-day demands. The concept of LLL has become more significant with the emergence of new technologies such as Internet, which change the way of receiving and gathering information, collaboration among people, and communicate. Digital technology has a strong influence on all aspects of learning that make the world of knowledge accessible at any places and at any times to suit students’ requirement. The incredible growth of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) brought a significant change in learning by allowing people to learn at any time and anywhere such as sitting at home. It is the new form of learning characterized by e-learning (EL). LLL, with the help of digital technology, has the ability to give each individual the knowledge that they need if andragogy principles and the needs of students have an advantage over the technology (Pureta, 2015). But learning should not be lifelong only but should be present in different forms to attract learners of all age groups. The various aspects of LLL in this regard can be described as follows:

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  Formal learning refers to the official education and training system of a country. It is structured and organized by Government/Private organization/Institution and provides formal level of qualification which as a whole recognized by certification. Formal education is offered inside classroom in full-time mode and supervised by a teacher. It includes primary, secondary, post-secondary, higher, professional, technical as well as adult education.

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  Informal learning takes place at any place in our daily activity either in the performance of a person or interactions within work, family and leisure time. It is non-institutional without having any external support. The teacher is someone with more experience such as parents, grandparents, friends or anybody else. It is achieved through conversation, and exploration and enlargement of experience (Knowles, 2016). It is developed through sharing time with people by listening and talking. Since knowledge is used to achieve informal learning, it is fostered through knowledge management.

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  Non-formal learning takes place outside the formal curriculum may be offered separately or as a part of large activity. Though, it does not provide any certification. It is highly enriching and has a significant role in improving individual’s skills and capacities. People of all age groups can participate in non-formal learning. It may be taught by experienced teacher or by any experience person. LLL is also a part of non-formal learning.