LIFE-LONG LEARNING

Lifelong learning: The terms Learning, Education and Training have often been used interchangeably. Discuss the differences and similarities between each of the terms and give examples to illustrate your answer.

Lifelong learning: The terms Learning, Education and Training have often been used interchangeably. Discuss the differences and similarities between each of the terms and give examples to illustrate your answer.

Introduction

In the recent age of Knowledge, the ability to acquire and apply the right knowledge in an effective manner is the cornerstone of an individuals' success. Nations are no longer progressing because of the defensive weapons they make, but because of the technological know-how they possess. They no longer pursue success in an era where ignorance was bliss; it is now a time wherein the pursuit of knowledge and intellect are the only two measurements of a nation's success. The importance of the strengths of knowledge and learning can be gauged by a simple example: ask any person about finding a source of study on the Web when he has not used a computer in the last ten years. Learning is the source of making life more interesting. Knowledge builds upon a wholly new perspective on different things, opens avenues for conversations and develops a deeper understanding about things that surround us (Warner, 1993, pp. 30-35). The world serves as a different avenue of light, wherein the search of knowledge becomes our sole objective. Lifelong learning makes us better as people, allows us to develop ourselves in a better manner while enabling us to make informed decisions and help us choose right from wrong. Lifelong learning is the sole criteria through which enlightenment is received by an individual, and he or she is able to look at different topics with a different perspective.

Technological advancements have been the sole reasons behind man's progress in this world; it has greatly boosted the pace of our lives requiring us to learn new things each day in order to stay abreast with the latest happenings of the world. This has been very useful in the pursuits of professional careers, as well (Wagner, 1999, pp. 66-67). The aim is not to be able to read from books and memorize the context with closed eyes; rather the ability to “apply” and “implement” knowledge in an effective manner. Although on-the-job training is a useful tool to acquire knowledge and learn even if an individual joins ion the professional life where traditional sources of acquiring knowledge may not be possible or available. However, one cannot solely rely on computers for knowledge and education; there are more sources to it than can be imagined of. The idea behind the provision of on-the-job training is to help employees avail the golden opportunity to “learn as they work”, while being an advantageous source for learning post-education with the available resources in a timely manner (Sloman, 2003, pp. 101-102). This not only broadens the horizons of the employees but also result in an enhancement of their existing opportunities, so that they may seek ...