Over the weekend, Mission to Learn quietly slipped into its third year. As befits such occasions, I’ve been trying to spend a bit of time reflecting on how the site has changed over time and where I’d like to take it going forward. One thing that occurred to me is that, in spite of this being a site about learning, I’ve never actually offered a definition here of what I mean by “learning.” So here’s my definition:
Learning is the lifelong process of transforming information and experience into knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes.
I might add to that:
- It is not dependent upon classes and courses – though these can be very useful tools for learning
- It does not require a degree, certificate, or grade to prove its worth – though clearly these have social value that most people would be unwise to ignore
- It does not always – probably not even most of the time – happen consciously – though I think that those who strive for a more conscious approach to learning throughout their lives – whether at work or otherwise – tend to be more successful in pretty much whatever way they define success.
I think that pretty well sums up the view of learning that drives my efforts here at Mission to Learn. What do you think? Does this capture your view of learning? What would you add or take away?
Jeff
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P.S.S – I have also noted more recently a definition of learning offered by Etienne Wenger and others in Digital Habitats.
Related posts:
posted on May 21, 2009
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Has learning, in your opinion, nothing to do with the adaptation to new circumstances of both pleasurable shocking and painful experiences?
I am attending an online school and I need info for my Life Long Learning paper for Finals. Can you help me
Thanks
Anna – It depends on what you need. If you can provide more detail here in the comments, I can do my best to respond and also point others here to respond. – Jeff
learning is all wonderful as much as people define learning in many ways the only thing that blesses is that it has no end till death do u part