Luís Tinoca,

Universidade Aberta, Portugal

The scenario for Lifelong Learning (LLL):

Opportunities and Obstacles for Organising LLL

LLL definition

Lifelong learning is the continued education and training of people throughout their adult lives. It encompasses all academic levels and all forms of learning, whether formal, non-formal, or informal.

Our interest is in the continuing education and training of people at higher education level through structured (formal, non-formal or informal) courses or activities offered by Institutions of Higher Education.

Policy framework

Memorandum on Lifelong Learning (Commission of the European Communities, 30th of October 2000)

The Decision 2006/1720/CE (European Parliament and Council, 15th of November 2006)

National Policies

Obstacles

Government lack of investment/recognition Inadequate offer from HEI Uncertified commercial offer Wide competition between private providers Absence of ICT competencies from HEI Lack of recognition of e-learning Inadequate infrastructure to support large number

of distance education students Fight for resources

The LLL student

All students can be considered LLL students (since they are all adults in higher education, according to the working definition). However, some demographics are shared by the partners: – most of their LLL students are over the age of 25– the average age ranges from 30 to 38 years old– more than 60% are enrolled in traditional

undergraduate and graduate degrees– more than 50% are employed professionals

Relevant Sectors for LLL

FormalNon-formal

Informal

Success factors for organizing LLL

Pedagogical deliveryContent

Organizational issues

Content

Needs analysis Certification / University connection High quality and informed by the latest research The topic of the course (current, relevant to the field, novelty)

Interdisciplinary Inclusion of speakers/experts who are active

professionals Involvement/collaboration of external stakeholders

Pedagogical delivery

Accessibility Authenticity Quality learning materials supported by

e-Learning portal Learner-oriented flexible educational model Excellent tutorial support Continuous feed-back to students The provision of clear information from the

beginning of the course.

Organizational issues

Time Location Support structure First class logistics Fees are affordable Student funding and scholarship system adjusted

to the living circumstances of lifelong learners. Program evaluation Overall quality of the whole system

ltinoca@univ-ab.pt

Thank You!

Showcases of University Strategies andBusiness Models for Lifelong Learning

Martin Watkinson and Luís Tinoca (2010)