Lifelong Learning - Lifelong Learning Contexts

Lifelong Learning Contexts

Although the term is widely used in a variety of contexts its meaning is often unclear. A learning approach that can be used to define lifelong learning is heutagogy.

There are several established contexts for lifelong learning beyond traditional "brick and mortar" schooling:

• Home schooling involves learning to learn or the development of informal learning patterns.
• Adult education or the acquisition of formal qualifications or work and leisure skills later in life.
• Continuing education which often describes extension or not-for-credit courses offered by higher education institutions.
• Knowledge work which includes professional development and on-the-job training.
• Personal learning environments or self-directed learning using a range of sources and tools including online applications.

E-learning is available at most colleges and universities or to individuals learning independently. There are even online courses being offered for free by many institutions.

One new (2008 and beyond) expression of lifelong learning is the Massive Open Online Course (a MOOC), in which a teacher or team offers a syllabus and some direction for the participation of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of learners. Most MOOCs do not offer typical "credit" for courses taken, which is why they are interesting and useful examples of lifelong learning.