Lifelong learning is the process of continuing to learn and pursue higher education throughout one’s life, even after one’s mandatory education, such as a high school diploma or a college degree, has been completed. There are many different types of lifelong learning; some are done for personal enrichment, while others are done to advance one’s career or keep one’s licensure or accreditation in one’s chosen field. Continuing education or enrichment courses are other terms for this process.
Personal enrichment is the first type of lifelong learning that is commonly offered in high schools and colleges. These classes can range from yoga to ghost hunting to the history of the Roman Empire, and they are frequently offered for free or at a low cost. Adults are encouraged to enroll in these classes in order to learn new skills, meet new people, and continue their education throughout their lives. Many people enjoy taking these classes, and the majority of them last only a few weeks or months.
Another type of lifelong learning is continuing education classes. Some professions, such as teaching or practicing law, require participants to take a certain number of continuing education classes each year in order to maintain accreditation or practice. These classes may be offered in specific subjects; typically, the classes that can be taken have a certain degree of flexibility, but a certain number of credits are required.
This second type of lifelong learning class almost always has a fee, which can be as much as a credit hour at a university. However, in some cases, these fees may be covered by the company, school, or law firm where the student works. To maintain a professional standing in one’s field, it is necessary to pass these classes and receive credit.
Many classes are now available online, making lifelong learning easier. People can take as many classes as they want without ever having to leave their homes, thanks to distance learning. These classes may be free or charge a small fee; many can also be downloaded to portable media devices and viewed as many times as needed. If someone is interested in taking a course in something, there is almost certainly a lifelong learning class that will provide instruction in that subject.