Task 2 - Lifelong Learning

I love learning new things. If I could, I would spend my life at university, doing random degree after random degree. To address task 2 though, I chose to look at ReadWriteWeb - loved it and now subscribe to it. It makes information about new technologies and social media accessible and interesting. See, for instance this article about the 'Unspoken Etiquette of Facebook Photo Tagging', or this one about the death of Britannica.

In googling lifelong learning, I discovered that Australia has lot of government-based initiatives to encourage adults to continue to learn. Most of these initiatives were skill-based, cost money, or appeared time-consuming. Other initiatives were part of staff development programs, such as 23 Things at UQ.

I came across a Lifelong Learning Mind Map courtesy of IQ Matrix.

A few things strike me as curious about this map. Firstly, most of the little dudes on there are frowning or concentrating really hard. Secondly, all the information seems to be contained within books - surely promoting the ease of access to information now would be more beneficial in encouraging lifelong learning? Nor is it limited only to those who can read. Thirdly, there is an image of  an old couple to indicate 'relationships' curiously placed in the midst of  'strategies', 'analysis', 'business' and 'thinking'. Overall, this visualisation of lifelong learning sugests it is anti-social hard work that only culminates in love and enlightment when you're around ninety years old (and possibly too old to consumate that love). I disagree with this entirely. Lifelong learning does not need to be a difficult task and does not need to be something you put to use in the work environment. It all depends on your attitude and what you value. Any piece of new information or new experience - whether it be learning your friend's favourite colour, learning how to hand-stitch, trying a new recipe, or writing your first blog post - is a learning experience, and is valuable in and of itself.

Lastly, the map is framed by the following quote: "Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it." I only agree with this to an extent. I believe your imagination is the most valuable asset you'll ever have - without it, how do you recognise the possiblities that life and love (and Google) have to offer, or potential for learning in your every day life?