lcc liberal arts studies / 2010 volume iii - LCC International University

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ALEKSANDRA ÐVEC, MARGARITA PAVLOVIÈ / LIFELONG LEARNING
competition and globalization have affected the perception of lifelong learning as a
“commodity or as an investment rather than as a way of exploring what might make
for the good life or human flourishing” (Smith, 2002).
Conclusion
Globalization and emergence of knowledge-based economies have questioned
the traditional forms of learning and have placed a great importance of lifelong, lifewide
learning. It was acknowledged that learning can and should take place in
many social contexts, for instance, in the academic environment, online and at work
and the lifelong learning skills have to be developed from early age. Currently,
“global citizens” have more opportunities for learning in terms of technologies,
travel, employment and communication.
As a result, individuals and organizations can instantly react to the demands
of rapidly changing global, knowledge-based markets and societies. Personal
competitive advantage of Homo discens and the competitive advantage of the
organization to which they belong are dependent on individuals' LLL skills. Although
globalization brings a lot of opportunities to economically developed countries,
smaller and poorer nations might face even more challenges with the rise of global
hypercompetition, uneven distribution of technological resources and increased
outward mobility.
LLL has been the subject of many national and European policies and
indicates that countries should maintain their commitment for developing highly
competitive and dynamic knowledge-based societies. Life-wide and lifelong
learning processes play an important role in fighting labor shortages and
competence gaps as well as helping to develop flexible, learning-oriented, skilled
workforce. However, commercialization and commodification processes of
learning that emerged as a result of non-stop global competition of individuals and
organizations might result in a loss of another important function of learning -
learning for community and democracy.
References
Abeles, T. P. (2001). The impact of globalization. On the Horizon, 9(2), 2-4.
Beveridge, D. (1996). Globalization and sustainability: Issues and options for adult education.
Convergence, 29(4), 68-77.
European Commission. (2000). A memorandum on lifelong learning. Brussels: European Commission.
Retrieved from http://www.bologna-berlin2003.de/pdf/MemorandumEng.pdf
LCC / LIBERAL ARTS STUDIES / 2010