Today’s world evolves very fast, so it is no longer expedient to think of education as a purely classroom-based entity, whereas, in the past, the end of education was seen as the last school bell ring.
Being stuck to the old principle of taking a formal education, gaining a degree, and then going into the workforce with a single recommended skill is no longer competent. Contrary to what we expected to sustain ourselves as graduates one day, daily learning as our new norm is being embraced and is being extended continuously beyond the campus day.
As a result, things have changed now and formal education will not be enough to build your whole career these days. The pace at which technological advancement, economic fluctuations and societal changes take place exceeds expectations.
Thus, there has not been a more critical time in the history of humanity than the era of learning. Now, the people who have the greatest chance for success are the ones who consider themselves lifelong learners. Those who understand that learning is not just limited to a specific point in time but is rather the choice that leads to both personal and professional growth.
Thus, we will explore the driving force for the continuous process even after graduation.
Technological change has always been one of the major trends that human organizations have been facing, and the modern world requires constant adaptation to new circumstances. New technologies are being opened up, industries are evolving and job roles keep on changing. In the current dynamic environment, professionals must strive to improve their skills by continuing education or any other policy measures to be relevant and capable among the competition.
As we strive to achieve mastery over a new software program, such as a refreshing our knowledge of the latest industry trends or acquiring a certification for the enhancement of our credentials, being able to learn and adjust is priceless.
In addition to that, life-long learning proves to be a key factor in the building of adaptability and psyche as a defence mechanism against uncertainty. In today’s world, which is full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), the skill to move at the speed of new knowledge is one of the foremost skills to survive.
Throughout their lifetime, lifelong learners possess the ability to handle problem situations, the ability to shift directions in their profession and the ability to become active participants in newly emerging opportunities.
While the real benefits of continuous learning comprise pure practice, they also entice us in deeply spiritual ways. It enables one to explore subjects, that have never been pursued, and try new hobbies and activities, adding to personal growth and greater world understanding.
Also in that time, people need to be good at thinking critically and in dealing with information overflow critical thinking and information literacy skills are really important. Lifelong learners, being people who are capable of analyzing sources, distinguishing fact from fiction, and having a real dialogue, are very important these days.
The world we live in now, where there is a huge spreading of misinformation and fake news is becoming not only a challenge for people’s health but also gives up the chance to make reliable decisions and be a positive contributor.
Aside from the above, lifelong learning propels innovation and creativity within the context of work. In exposing ourselves to multiple views and aspects, we become necessarily open-minded and entice ourselves into a relevant ecosystem for innovation.
What is cool is that interdisciplinarity is often where the magic happens when it comes to taking and implementing breakthroughs or solving complicated problems. The lifelong learner does not have discipline-specific boundaries but rather expands himself by integrating more than one discipline. For them, the solution to a challenge does not come from one discipline but rather from other approaches as well.
Additionally, there is now an increasing trend toward increasing the democratisation of education through Internet platforms and open educational resources which facilitate the learning process.
One way or another, people find it easy to satiate their curiosity and thirst for knowledge via platforms such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), YouTube tutorials, podcasts, as well as online forums that connect you to experts from different regions. Thus, the decomposition of learning is becoming a new tool to oppress the individual from the traditional educational structure and to follow people in their dreams without hindrances.
Summing up, graduation is the end of a journey to acquire an education, but it is not the end of the road of academics. The quest for knowledge now in the high paced world consists of lifelong commitment going beyond the boundaries of modern learning.
Lifelong learning is a standalone aspirational attitude, a way of life itself — a never-ending quest for knowledge, understanding and self-development. The lifelong learning revolution is a new way of thinking whereby persons can succeed in the dynamic world through the process of achieving their deepest potential.
