Lifelong learning
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 7, 3 October 2025, page no 30.
In many of the documents created in the course of one’s educational working life, one term sticks in the memory more than others. That term is “lifelong learning”.
From the teacher’s point of view, it is the process of constant learning and development that incorporates continuous professional development, in which all individuals need to engage in a time of rapid change.
But for those who have left school, it is the idea that learning can and does occur beyond the formal structure of an educational institution and occurs throughout one’s lifetime. That is to say, lifelong learning is ongoing learning in formal and informal ways, cradle-to-grave learning, and knowledge building.
Recently, it was Book Week for children in primary schools. If I think of all the changes that have occurred in recent years, we understand the amount of preparation that teachers need to be able to pass on this knowledge. Many seminars and workshops have been attended to be able to keep abreast of changes in modern society.
This makes me think of all the changes that seniors have had to keep abreast of over the years to be able to live satisfactorily in today’s society. How many of us can use the ATM, the internet, online shopping, Xbox, digital radios, TV, and artificial intelligence without too much of a worry? Not to mention what happens when one of our latest electrical gadgets refuses to function. At times, I’m sure you have called for the aid of the grandchildren.
While our lifelong learning continues in many different forms, formal or informal, as we endeavour to catch up with all the areas of interest that we now have time to engage in, we ask ourselves about the grandchildren. What lifelong learning will these children need to pursue to keep up with technology and survive in society, and will this learning come at the expense of social and physical activities?
While our continued learning is very important to us as seniors, so are our social interactions. The philosophy of the Queensland Retired Teachers’ Association is to continue lifelong learning and ensure that socialisation is also encouraged.
With this in mind, our next activity combines both of these points. Members have been invited to join for a morning tea and listen and interact with one of our members who has been involved in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent times. Members are encouraged to bring their iPad and phone as this will be a hands-on morning tea and should be very interesting. Anyone interested should contact Judy at qrtaevents@qtu.asn.au.
Looking forward to seeing many members at the morning tea.