the role of universities in lifelong learning dr. kathryn chang barker director, education...
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The Role of Universities in Lifelong Learning
Dr. Kathryn Chang BarkerDirector, Education ExcellencePresentation to International Conference on Lifelong Learning 2011
Overview1. Actual roles2. Potential roles3. 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
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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
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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
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“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”
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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
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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 2001
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