The Role of Universities in Lifelong Learning Dr. Kathryn Chang Barker Director, Education Excellence Presentation to International Conference on Lifelong Learning 2011

Overview 1.Actual roles 2.Potential roles 3.Situational analysis

Actual Lifelong Learning Roles Offerings  Continuing or Further Education  Community Education  Continuing Professional Development  Adult education and/or university preparation Services  LLL as a discipline of study  Participation in LLL associations  Meeting community needs  APL/PLA  Research 19 December 20143Dr. KC Barker

University = Lifelong Learning  If Lifelong learning can be defined the development of human, social and cultural capital  Then universities are part of that system And  They are “elite” part of that system 19 December 20144Dr. KC Barker

Potential Roles for Universities Devolution  Embed LLL in strategic and operational plans, e.g., –CPD for staff –Graduate attributes for students –ePortfolios of all forms of learning Evolution  Redesign university to be more learner-focused, e.g., –Flexible access –Accreditation of prior learning –Responsive curriculum 19 December 20145Dr. KC Barker

“Lifelong Learning University” Characteristics 1.Clearly defined outcomes for learning – staff, students, community 2.Systematic assessment and documenting of learning 3.Learner participation in a diverse array of engaging experiences 4.Data about learning that prompts the individual and institution to reflect and act 5.Emphasis on student learning in hiring and management processes 6.Key documents and policies focus on learning – all types Results  Offer learning, not credentials  Moves from learner-focus to learning focus  Removes the concept of “finished” 19 December 20146Dr. KC Barker

Transforming Universities Imperatives  Threats from ODL  Aging demographics of traditional staff  Increasing learner demand  Decreasing public funds  Additional economic and social factors Options  Ascendant thesis: knowledge economy thrives and depends on strong universities  Declinist thesis: more capable competitors meet unmet needs  Co-existence 19 December 20147Dr. KC Barker

Future Lifelong Learning & Universities On the one hand “two realities define the new agenda for higher education in the new economy: lifelong learning and technology” Sir John Daniel On the other hand, “widespread provision by universities would require a revolution in university education; the signs of such a revolution do not appear in sight” EU Study December 20148Dr. KC Barker

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