Modern Technology as a Base for Realization of the Lifelong Education Concept and Learning at Work

Abstract

Possibilities for realization the lifelong education and learning concept in changing environment with the modern technology as a backbone are being discussed in this paper. This also implies redirection of the focal point of theoretical interests from prescriptive paradigms to highly contextualized and specified activities of education and learning. Practical realization of the lifelong education and learning concept at the level of modern company today is mainly based on designing the appropriate context and structural changes (changing information relationships, opening and widening the communication lines, etc.) including modern technology as a curriculum component, as a delivery mechanism as a complement to instruction and an instructional tool. This practical realization is also based on activities of human resource development considering as the key preconditions and pre-suppositions of continuing lifelong education and learning at work. In the light of these assumptions, results of empirical research were analyzed and explained. Data were collected in May, 2008 on a sample of 680 respondents, employed at companies in Serbia using modern technology. Satistics were subjected to nonparametric test, canonical analysis and exploratory principal component analysis with the Varimax rotation, etc. Based on aforementioned statistical analysis it was found that companies in Serbia using modern technology are very supportive for undertaking activities of lifelong education and learning. These companies are aimed to problem solving process; continuing evaluation and validation; enhancing dialogue; continuing learning and updating knowledge; efficient adaptation to changes; individual responsibility; gaining advantage over competitors or rivals; developing confidence and loyality and self-education. Indicators on strong statistically highly relevant impact some bio-social, educational and working characteristics have to perceptions of the modern technology as a base for realization the lifelong education and learning concept, might be the focus of interests from the perspective of Andragogy.