Defining Lifelong Learning Activity
When you hear the word ‘lifelong learning’ what comes to mind? Based
on your background and experience, how would you define this term?
What knowledge, skills, and abilities do you associate with lifelong
learning?
My name is Alejandro, a 51-year-old learner. I came to Canada with my two kids and my wife, who are
my support team in this adventure. I have a BA in Business and an MSc in Business Information
Technology, and worked for the printing and BPO industries in my home country; however, my age
became an issue when looking for better career growth. That is why I decided to eliminate that barrier
through a new academic boost.
Upon knowing the term “lifelong learner” I imagine a never-ending learning process in which one always
looks for answers and new ways of doing things. Everyday things or career-developing activities. In my
case, I am looking for an actualization of my managerial, communication, and technological skills, and
this implies a series of characteristics that we should master:
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Curiosity: Always have the questions, what if and why not. They help to move out of your
comfort zone and seek wider and greener fields.
Perseverance: required to keep going regardless of the difficulties of changing times.
Digital literacy: Today’s world moves faster every day and one needs to find and adapt to the
new tools available to perform successfully.
Communication: Networking is key in all aspects of life. A single person would face tremendous
difficulties without the ability to connect with others and find new or alternative ways to solve
problems.
Ability to self-evaluate: We all need to know where we are and what tools we have in order to
advance towards our goals.