Elise Awwad, the president and CEO of DeVry University, discusses the importance of lifelong learning in today’s rapidly changing world. Traditional degrees are no longer enough to ensure career success, as the digital revolution has made information more accessible, leading to a demand for individuals with digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability. Higher education institutions must adapt to this growing need by offering flexible learning opportunities for nontraditional students, including working professionals and adults looking to upskill or reskill.
To meet the needs of nontraditional adult learners, colleges and universities must provide flexible and accessible learning models that allow for community and engagement. This involves offering modular, stackable learning opportunities that cater to the evolving interests and career paths of learners. Personalized learning paths that recognize prior learning and work experiences are also essential, as well as partnerships with industries to ensure that curricula remain relevant to current job market needs.
A holistic strategy is necessary to integrate lifelong learning principles into higher education institutions. This includes creating integrated courses that build toward more comprehensive certifications and degrees, as well as allowing for flexibility in learning pathways that adapt to changing career goals. Strong partnerships with industries can help identify emerging skill needs and integrate real-world examples into coursework, while online platforms can offer personalized learning experiences and track progress using data analytics.
To capture the increasing demand for lifelong learning, universities must use data analytics to understand the needs and preferences of learners, enhance awareness of the benefits of continuing education, and engage alumni as lifelong learners. Offering flexible courses and programs that align with learners’ interests and goals, as well as utilizing the latest technologies to enhance the learning experience, are also important steps in meeting the needs of lifelong learners. It is essential for higher education institutions to prioritize lifelong learning to stay relevant in the evolving global economy and society.
The challenges of implementing lifelong learning in higher education institutions stem from institutional, systemic, and societal factors that must be understood in order to propose effective solutions. A cultural expectation that education ends with a degree can hinder the prioritization of lifelong learning, but institutions must be agile, student-centered, and forward-thinking to meet the evolving needs of society. By understanding and addressing these challenges, higher education institutions can better meet the demand for lifelong learning opportunities and support the continuous development of learners in today’s fast-paced world.
