Lifelong learning is periodic and episodic. Most lifelong learning uses traditional courses and degrees. Much of it is based in classrooms or in an extension of the classroom to remote locations. Lifelong learning is administered through continuing education units, extension centers, or other units of traditional colleges and universities that are often seen as second-class citizens in the institutional pecking order. Perpetual learning is a knowledge age metaphor.
Many educators have difficulty imagining the concept of perpetual learning.
By industrial age standards, perpetual learning is onerous indeed. But the architects of perpetual learning refuse to be bound by industrial age conventions and assumptions. Over time, these tools will be available to every desktop, home entertainment center, school, business, and community learning center. We can facilitate flexible interactivity between individual learners, teams, and learning mentors. We can shape learning into customized experiences that are fused with work, entertainment, recreation, and personal development.