Fluid Learning: Vision for Lifelong Learning in 2030

Falconer, I., Littlejohn, A. and McGill, L. (2013) Fluid Learning: Vision for Lifelong Learning in 2030. Discussion Paper. OpenEducationEuropa.

Abstract

This paper provides a vision of what we term ‘fluid learning’ through which autonomous learners make choices about their own learning. This vision is critical because it equips European citizens to live in a global context where knowledge and work is changing so rapidly that people have to learn continually. Fluid learning is suited to a world that has seen a radical change in cultural perceptions of learner agency and learner-teacher roles, associated with changes in technology. After completing compulsory education, the focus of each learner moves from learning pre-defined knowledge to filling gaps between areas of knowledge, integrating different areas of expertise, as well as learning new knowledge. People do not turn automatically to formal institutions for large blocks of learning. Instead they consider it natural to make use of open learning resources and open courses, making their own decisions about what to learn, when and how. Learners naturally employ open learning practices, creating new knowledge for future learners to benefit from. They expect to contribute to the learning of others as well as learning themselves, viewing themselves as the experts in their own situation. In some cases they may elect to take a short formal course, but this is always for a specific reason rather than as a cultural norm. Rather than managing multiple identities in the different groups/communities to which they belong, they see their unique identity as a unifying factor that integrates their activities in various groups, including work and leisure groups that they move easily between. In doing so they accrue new knowledge, integrating it with their current understanding, such that their expertise changes dynamically to match their current needs. The vision requires significant cultural change in European society by 2030.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Discussion Paper)
• Keywords: Open online learning, adult learning, technology enhanced learning, higher education.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Littlejohn, Professor Allison
• Authors: Falconer, I., Littlejohn, A., and McGill, L.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: OpenEducationEuropa
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2013 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License