LLinE Lifelong Learning in Europe

Orientation 3/2009

Ulf Ehlers
NEW E-LEARNING CULTURES FOR ADULT LEARNING
What is e-learning 2.0 and how does it compare to e-learning 1.0? What is quality development in learning 2.0 scenarios? The writer discusses whether a new learning culture also leads to a new quality culture that can create space and opportunities for reflection and includes learners in feedback processes.

Petra Newrly and Michelle Veugelers
DIGITAL LITERACY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
The European Parliament considers digital literacy to be one of the eight key competences for lifelong learning. Why is digital literacy so important in the context of lifelong learning, and how can it be achieved? The writers consider the importance of informal learning and their experiences of the digital literacy project SPreaD.

Eric Agbessi, Stéphan David and Gilmour Fontaine
ICT IN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: A MEANS TO AN END?
How can ICT be utilised to reduce inequalities in terms of access to language skill acquisition? The writers present an initiative taken at the Blaise Pascal University to offer online courses in foreign languages to thousands of first-year students and tens of adult learners who live in our rural area and cannot attend daily or weekly classes.

Palitha Edirisingha and Gilly Salmon
iPODOLOGY: THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
As well as introducing podcasting as a learning technology, the writers discuss approaches to using podcasting in formal higher education to support transition from school to university; acquiring good learning and study skills; online and independent learning, and; learning at a distance.

Marja-Riitta Ritanoro
GLOBAL CHANGE WITH eLEARNING FOR PEACE
ICT tools and online learning environments have allowed the MKFC Stockholm College to move its teaching online. The writer introduces the college’s Change Making Education for Knowledge Society programmes that provide online education for learners in developing countries.

Roger Esteller, Pilar Escuder and Jose Traver
ENHANCING ICT EDUCATION FOR SENIOR STUDENTS
The writers present the courses and activities offered by the Senior Citizens’ University (SCU) at Jaume I University in Spain. They discuss the advantages of formal learning and propose the introduction of non-formal activities for meeting educational requirements that go beyond simply learning to use a tool.

Leenamaija Otala and Kaija Pöysti
SOCIAL MEDIA ENABLING THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION 2.0
Only a real learning organization where all individuals contribute in its development and share the responsibility of keeping others updated can succeed in a complex environment. The writers argue that social media is a great building block for a learning organization.

LLINE INTERVIEW: VALERIE PERKINS
ONLINE UNIVERSITY DEGREES FOR ADULTS
Capella University in the United States is a fully online university that directs its education to the adult learner. Formerly the President of Capella, Dr Valerie Perkins shares her views on online adult learning and instruction.

INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY
This year LLinE is publishing a series of articles on innovation and creativity in and for lifelong learning in Europe.

Claudio Dondi and Stefania Aceto
LEARNING + INNOVATION = LEARNOVATION
The formal education system has not been able to find suitable strategies to incorporate informal learning and the advantages of Web 2.0 solutions and social networking. The Learnovation initiative has provided recommendations on how to enhance the role of informal learning and the meaningful use of networking technologies in and for adult education.

COMMENTARY

Paul Ilsley
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNING
Commenting on the issue theme, the writer argues that it is about time we realise the potential of digital technologies in lifelong learning. Otherwise the resistance to change and reluctance to spend on instructional technologies leaves us at risk of becoming outdated, outmoded, and obsolete.