Lifelong Learning Research Articles

Global consensus statement on simulation-based practice in healthcare

Simulation plays a pivotal role in addressing universal healthcare challenges, reducing education inequities, and improving mortality, morbidity and patient experiences. It enhances healthcare processes and systems, contributing significantly to the development of a safety culture within organizations. It has proven to be cost-effective and successful in enhancing team performance, fostering workforce resilience and improving patient outcomes.Through an international collaborative effort, an iterative consultation process was conducted with 50 societies operating across 67 countries within six continents. This process revealed common healthcare challenges and simulation practices worldwide. The intended audience for this statement includes policymakers, healthcare organization leaders, health education institutions, and simulation practitioners. It aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally.Key recommendations Advocating for the benefits that simulation provides to patients, staff and organizations is crucial, as well as promoting its adoption and integration into daily learning and practice throughout the healthcare spectrum. Low-cost, high-impact simulation methods should be leveraged to expand global accessibility and integrate into system improvement processes as well as undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Support at institutional and governmental level is essential, necessitating a unified and concerted approach in terms of political, strategic and financial commitment.It is imperative that simulation is used appropriately, employing evidence-based quality assurance approaches that adhere to recognized standards of best practice. These standards include faculty development, evaluation, accrediting, credentialing, and certification.We must endeavor to provide equitable and sustainable access to high-quality, contextually relevant simulation-based learning opportunities, firmly upholding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. This should be complemented with a renewed emphasis on research and scholarship in this field.Call for action We urge policymakers and leaders to formally acknowledge and embrace the benefits of simulation in healthcare practice and education. This includes a commitment to sustained support and a mandate for the application of simulation within education, training, and clinical environments.We advocate for healthcare systems and education institutions to commit themselves to the goal of high-quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes. This commitment should encompass the promotion and resource support of simulation-based learning opportunities for individuals and interprofessional teams throughout all stages and levels of a caregiver’s career, in alignment with best practice standards.We call upon simulation practitioners to champion healthcare simulation as an indispensable learning tool, adhere to best practice standards, maintain a commitment to lifelong learning, and persist in their fervent advocacy for patient safety.This statement, the result of an international collaborative effort, aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally.

Peer evaluation as an alternative assessment method for case presentations: A cross-sectional study of dental students' perception.

Peer assessment in dental and medical education is a key tool for evaluating attitudes and communication skills, serving as an effective formative learning method. It not only boosts academic performance and encourages lifelong learning and reflective practice but also fosters collaboration, effective communication, and constructive feedback among peers. This study aimed to assess dental students' satisfaction and perceptions regarding implementing peer assessment in case presentations, including contribution to their learning. This cross-sectional study involved third (n=26), fourth (n=54), and sixth (n=71) dental students divided into five groups. Each student received peer assessments (n=8) from the students of the other groups regarding their clinical presentation. At the end of the process, students were invited to complete an anonymous 9-item questionnaire to assess student perceptions of the peer-assessment process. Data were analyzed to evaluate students' perception and satisfaction with the peer assessment task. The bivariate analysis explored associations among questionnaire items. A total of 151 students participated in the current study. Results showed a high level of agreement for most of the students regarding their preparedness for peer and self-assessment. More than 75% of the students at all academic levels found it challenging to evaluate their peers. Student satisfaction scores increased with the level of education, (4.076, 4.214, and 4.246 out of five, respectively) with moderate correlations between peer evaluation characteristics. Peer assessment appears to enhance learning and professional development in dental students. Students' satisfaction with peer assessment grows with education level, reflecting its role in fostering critical evaluation skills and feedback.

Analysis of Grotowskis Body Action Method from the Perspective of Zhuangzi

Jerzy Grotowski (1933-1999, hereinafter referred to as Grotowski) was a renowned theater practitioner in the 20th century, dedicating his life to the study of theatrical performance. His theatrical works shook the world in the 20th century, and he was well-known in the theater communities of Europe and America. Unfortunately, he passed away prematurely, leaving behind profound and abstruse writings for future generations. His late-life creation, the Art of Vehicle in body action methods, holds profound significance for the study of states in various artistic performances. Based on this, researchers, drawing on Grotowskis lifelong learning and research background, interpret and analyze Grotowskis study of art of vehicle through the Zhuangzis concept of body in the philosophy of Swiss philosopher Jean Franois Billeters dynamic mechanism. This paper is based on the research theory of Professor Mingder Chung from Taipei National University of the Arts on Grotowskis MPA, aiming to elucidate Grotowskis interpretation of body through Zhuangzis body view, and further clarify the conceptual framework of MPA. The purpose is to contribute theoretical foundations to the study of Grotowskis Art of Vehicle.

Achieving Sustainable Quality Education Targets: a Case Study in East Java, Indonesia

Objectives: This article aims to analyze the implementation of education policies designed to introduce quality education and identify barriers at the local level. The study focuses on an elementary school in Probolinggo City, East Java Province, Indonesia, to understand how these policies are being executed and the challenges faced. Methods: Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including school representatives, education office officials, and local government authorities. The study utilizes two types of data: primary data collected through interviews and secondary data from existing records and reports. Results: The findings reveal that the implementation of quality education policies at the primary school level is suboptimal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets. This inadequacy is primarily due to weak coordination between education offices and schools. The study highlights that this poor coordination affects the ability to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education and support lifelong learning opportunities for all. Conclusion: The study concludes that the weak working relationship between schools and education offices significantly impacts the sensitivity of education office policies to school needs, thereby hindering the achievement of SDGs at the local level. The results emphasize the need for improved coordination and communication to ensure effective policy implementation. This study contributes to the development of policy implementation theory by providing insights into the sustainable strengthening of educational development strategies and expands theoretical and practical knowledge on local government policy implementation in the context of quality school education in Indonesia under the SDGs framework.

Development of a distance education attitude scale for lifelong learning (DEAS-LLL): a validity and reliability study

ABSTRACT In recent times, the utilization of distance education (DE) has witnessed a notable surge across various sectors, particularly amidst the backdrop of pandemics. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive Distance Education Attitude Scale tailored for Lifelong Learning (LLL) contexts. Methodologically, the research enlisted the participation of 260 physicians, employing a five-point Likert scale design. The content validity index yielded an impressive score of 0.92. Following a rigorous 48-item pilot application among 30 physicians, a refined 37-item draft scale emerged. Through explanatory factor analysis, the scale revealed a robust 4-factor structure comprising 22 items. Model fit indices, gauged through confirmatory factor analysis, underscored the scale's coherence and alignment. In the test-retest phase, an analysis utilizing Pearson Correlation Coefficient yielded a robust correlation coefficient of r = 0.891, signifying high stability over time. Moreover, a paired-sample t-test revealed non-significant differences (t = −0.041, p:0.968), further affirming the scale's reliability. With a commendable Cronbach's alpha value of 0.946, the finalized “Distance Education Attitude Scale in Lifelong Learning” stands as a validated and highly reliable instrument, particularly among physicians. Its applicability extends to academic inquiries regarding distance education and holds promise for validation across diverse adult learning cohorts.

Teaching Medical Procedural Skills for Performance

Procedures are a core element of medical professional practice. Today’s training approach was formulated in the mid-twentieth century based on a computer analogue of the brain. Despite minor modifications, the system has remained relatively unchanged for the past 70 years. It delivers competence. However, competence is not reliable performance. The inability to adapt to the variety of patients and variations in the performance environments, such as the operating room, results in patient morbidity and mortality. There is a need for changes in the development and training of medical procedural skills based on current theories of skill acquisition, movement theory, and motor control. Achieving optimal performance necessitates the ability to adapt through training in diverse patient and performance environments rather than merely imitating prescribed movements. We propose a novel model of training, the Constraints-Led Approach, which allows for robust training by altering the factors affecting skill acquisition and lifelong learning.

Heutagogy as an alternative in teacher education: conceptions of lecturers and pre-service teachers of school of education and life-long learning, SDD-UBIDS

IntroductionThe needs of today’s higher education have changed and higher education does not need a one-way communication from teacher to student but rather learn to appreciate the new role of the teacher as a facilitator with mutual responsibilities toward the creation of knowledge. Heutagogy, which emphasizes learner autonomy and the creation of self-determined learners, has garnered attention as a potential solution to address the evolving needs of teacher preparation. However, empirical research on the beliefs and attitudes of Heutagogy within the teacher education context remains limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the beliefs and attitudes of lecturers and pre-service teachers of the School of Education and Life-Long Learning (SoELL) at SDD-UBIDS.MethodsConvergent mixed method design with both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data on 513 Pre-service teachers and 30 Lecturers from SoELL, SDD-UBIDS using a four-point Likert scale questionnaire and interview.ResultsThe findings revealed diverse perspectives among Lecturers and Pre-service Teachers regarding Heutagogy, with varying levels of understanding, acceptance, and readiness for implementation. Lecturers expressed enthusiasm for Heutagogy’s potential to foster learner autonomy and critical thinking skills, while pre-service teachers demonstrated varying levels of readiness and comfort with self-directed learning approaches.DiscussionLecturers and Pre-service teachers expressed willingness to embrace a self-determined approach in which the learner reflects on what is learned and how it is learned and where the Lecturers teach the learners how to learn by themselves. The cognitive conflict and the inadequacy of pre-service teachers’ preparedness will necessitate a shift in their attitudes toward developing autonomy skills to effectively navigate the challenges of the 21st-century knowledge economy.

Navigating the complex dynamics of anesthesiologists’ professional identity formation in the context of their specialty training program: a phenomenographic perspective

BackgroundA specialty training program is crucial for shaping future specialist doctors, imparting clinical knowledge and skills, and fostering a robust professional identity. This study investigates how anesthesiologists develop their professional identity while navigating unique challenges specific to their specialty. The formation of professional identity in anesthesiology significantly influences doctors’ well-being, teamwork, and ultimately patient care, making it a crucial aspect of anesthesiology education. Utilizing a phenomenographic approach, the research explores the learners’ personal experiences and perspectives of professional identity formation in their specialty training programs, providing valuable insights for enhancing future anesthetic educational programs.MethodThe data for this phenomenographic study were collected through semi-structured interviews with anesthesiology trainees and specialists, guided by open-ended questions. The interviews were conducted at a Swedish university hospital, and participant selection used purposive sampling, providing rich and diverse data for analysis after 15 interviews. Iterative analysis followed the seven-step phenomenographic approach. The research team, comprising qualitative research and anesthesiology education experts, ensured result validity through regular review, discussion, and reflective practices.ResultsThe study reveals three fundamental dimensions: ‘Knowledge of Subject Matter,’ ‘Knowledge of Human Relations,’ and ‘Knowledge of Affect.’ These dimensions offer insights into how anesthesiologists comprehend anesthesiology as a profession, navigate interactions with colleagues and patients, and interpret emotional experiences in anesthesiology practice – all crucial elements in the formation of professional identity. The findings could be synthesized and further described by three conceptions: The Outcome-Driven Learner, the Emerging Collaborator, and the Self-Directed Caregiver.ConclusionThe study uncovers differing learner understandings in the development of anesthesiologists’ professional identity. Varying priorities, values, and role interpretations highlight the shortcomings of a generic, one-size-fits-all educational strategy. By acknowledging and integrating these nuanced learner perspectives, as elucidated in detail in this study, the future of anesthesia education can be improved. This will necessitate a holistic approach, intertwining both natural sciences and humanities studies, focus on tacit knowledge, and flexible teaching strategies, to guarantee thorough professional development, lifelong learning, and resilience.

An Al-BERT-Bi-GRU-LDA algorithm for negative sentiment analysis on Bilibili comments

The number of online self-learning users has been increasing due to the promotion of various lifelong learning programs. Unstructured commentary text related to their real learning experience regarding the learning process is generally published by users to show their opinions and complaints. The article aims to utilize the dataset of real text comments of 10 high school mathematics courses participated by high school students in the Bilibili platform and construct a hybrid algorithm called the Artificial Intelligence-Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) + Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to crunch data and extract their sentiments. A series of tests regarding algorithm comparison were conducted on the educational review datasets. Comparative analysis found that the proposed algorithm achieves higher precision and lower loss rates than other alternative algorithms. Meanwhile, the loss ratio of the proposed algorithm was kept at a low level. At the topic mining level, the topic clustering of negative comments found that the barrage content was very messy and the complexity of the course content was generally reported by the students. Some problems related to videos were also mentioned. The outcomes are promising that the fundamental issues underlined by the students can be effectively resolved to improve curriculum and teaching quality.

Examining the Access, Quality, and Relevance Gaps in Liberia’s Educational Policy Environment

Examining the Access, Quality, and Relevance Gaps in Liberia’s Educational Policy Environment

Practices Promoting the Inclusion of Adult Students with Disabilities in the Classroom: A Case of a Technical Vocational Education and Training College in Kazakhstan

Practices Promoting the Inclusion of Adult Students with Disabilities in the Classroom: A Case of a Technical Vocational Education and Training College in Kazakhstan

The Role of Business Management in the Innovative Development of the Cultural Tourism and Education Industry

As China's comprehensive strength continues to grow, along with the rapid development of information technology, new opportunities have emerged for the development of the cultural tourism and education industry. With an increasing demand for cultural tourism and lifelong learning, this industry is facing unprecedented development opportunities. The market size is continuously expanding, and the range of cultural tourism and education products and services is becoming more diverse, meeting the needs of various consumer groups. Innovation has become mainstream; companies and institutions within the industry are constantly exploring new development models, which promote the transformation and upgrading of the cultural tourism and education industry. Increased policy support has provided a solid guarantee for the innovative development of this industry. Thus, in the process of formulating operational strategies, it is essential to first conduct an in-depth market analysis to understand consumer needs, competitive situations, and industry trends. Subsequently, product strategies that align with market laws should be developed, including product positioning, unique feature creation, and the enhancement of product lines. Simultaneously, a reasonable pricing strategy must be established to ensure that product pricing is competitive while achieving the profit goals of the enterprise. Through the formulation and implementation of these strategies, business management can help the cultural tourism and education industry achieve sustainable development.

Evaluation of University’s Place in the Adult Education Ecosystem

The authors of the present paper conducted a comprehensive analysis of university place in the ecosystem of adult education, based on its characteristic functions, priorities of activity and emerging tensions. The participation of universities in the professional training of adults is analyzed. The research focus is projected on the assessment of the situation at the institutional (a university as a social institution) and organizational level (a university as a specific institution of higher education). A discussion of the prospects for transforming the place of higher institution in the ecosystem of adult education is presented. The study was conducted using a semiformalized interview method (n=36) with representatives of the commercial and public sector occupying key positions (heads and top management of universities, corporate universities, educational consulting organizations, providers of non-formal education services, etc.). Main results. Several points of university positioning in the structure of adult education ecosystem are identified: 1) the university is the core of the educational ecosystem and holds this status; 2) the university occupies the central place of the educational ecosystem, but can lose this status by certain actions or inaction; 3) the university is not the core of the educational ecosystem and should not be; 4) the university is not the core of the educational ecosystem, but could become it. According to most experts, universities occupy a central place in the ecosystem of adult education and have a high potential to retain leadership positions, provided that the educational material is relevant and meets the demands of the labor market. At the same time, it is important to consider that some participants of the educational ecosystem (online platforms, corporate universities and others) are rapidly increasing their influence and implementing large-scale educational programs for the population. Universities, having a high level of public trust and being mainly responsible for fundamental professional education, are interested in accumulating the advantages of other participants of the educational ecosystem. It is optimal to present the university as a central hub of educational practices for the population, accumulating the advantages of other actors of the adult education ecosystem. The article is addressed to administrative and managerial staff of universities, representatives of executive authorities and the real sector of the economy, scientific and pedagogical staff and graduate students seeking to study lifelong learning of adults.

Perspectives of teachers and students on the impact of online classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, transformation from face-to-face classrooms to online classrooms took place in higher education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of teaching and learning of this change on students’ and teachers’ perspectives. The study also investigated the various impact factors that hindered online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 lockdown period. In total, 383 students and 83 teachers at Walailak University, Thailand, who had at least 3 months of experience with online learning and teaching were asked to complete questionnaires that asked about their perspectives with respect to their online classroom experience. The student questionnaire asked about the quality of teachers, quality of communication, the student’s work, student’s concentration, and satisfaction with the online classroom experience. The teacher questionnaire asked about the teacher’s perspective with respect to how the restrictions of online teaching affected teachers, students, and courses. The relations between students and teachers were analyzed by a chi-square test using the SPSS program version 25.0, with defined p-values as <0.05 and < 0.10 of student and teacher perspectives, respectively. Relations were found between student GPA and student work and student concentration in online classrooms. The teachers’ perspective with respect to online teaching was found to be related to the restrictions that online teaching placed on teachers, students, and course management. The results of the study show teachers’ awareness about restrictions that online teaching placed on teachers, students, and course management. Institutions should prioritize and practice using educational technologies at scale, install ICT infrastructure, and engage in lifelong learning.

Transitioning to blended learning during COVID‐19: Exploring instructors and adult learners' experiences in three Ghanaian universities

AbstractTeaching and learning in higher education have increasingly become digitalized and associated with innovative pedagogical methodologies over the past decades. Following the sudden onset of the pandemic in March 2020, several studies tended to focus on traditional students' experiences with emergency remote education while literature is scarce on non‐traditional students (or adult learners) pedagogical experiences in Distance Education contexts. Using a qualitative case study approach, this study explored how digital technologies mediated instructors' and adult learners' educational experiences during COVID‐19 and their first‐time experiences with blended learning. Between October 2021 and July 2022, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 adult learners and 20 instructors in three selected public higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ghana. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's (2012) thematic analysis approach. The results showed that the transition to blended learning was supported by the adoption and integration of varied virtual online technologies. The themes highlight the positive and negative impacts of technology in mediating the educational experiences of instructors and adult learners in blended learning environments. The themes which reflected both instructors' and adult learners' experiences were enhanced course delivery and pedagogy, competency development, technological issues and poor‐quality pedagogy. Blended learning facilitated by technology could be the ‘new normal learning’ post‐pandemic for adult learners pursuing Distance Education in Ghana. The study recommends the implementation of agile strategies and policies by HEIs to ensure sustainable quality education in distance learning. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic The COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated the adoption of innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education contexts. Technological transformations in information and communication technology (ICT) have enhanced remote teaching in higher education institutions globally. The educational experiences of educators and learners differ in blended learning contexts. What this paper adds Instructors and adult learners' positive experiences with navigating a variety of web‐based technologies during the educational process are negatively impacted by technological difficulties during online instruction. Participants' experiences of blended learning are mixed with a preference for face‐to‐face dimension of blended learning instead of the online dimension. The paper identifies four themes that characterize instructors and adult learners' experiences with technology‐enhanced learning including enhanced course delivery and pedagogy, competency development, technological issues and poor‐quality pedagogy. Implications for practice and/or policy The study provides evidence‐based information on the relevance of digitizing distance education for sustainable development and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for distance education students. The research recommends that higher education institutions (HEIs) implement agile policies to facilitate a seamless shift to distance learning. HEIs may adopt open distance learning frameworks to streamline 21st century pedagogical and learning practices in distance‐blended learning environments for quality course instruction. The study highlights the potential distance learning modalities that HEIs can consider for Distance Education students to sustain effective quality teaching and learning.

English proficiency of Japanese third-age learners: A Quantitative Inquiry

The EFL (English as a Foreign Language) participation and engagement of third-age learners, whose ages range from 50 up to 70 and above has received global attention. Japanese third-age learners' pursuit of English competence exhibits broader societal trends and personal desires for lifelong learning. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational approach, the study assessed the level of English language proficiency (ELP) of 59 Japanese third-age learners registered in the 2023-2024 EFL program in five cities of Aichi prefecture, Japan, when they were taken as a whole and when they were demographically grouped by sex, age, educational background, and weekly average study time. The results show that on average, third-age learners in Japan achieve an intermediate level of English proficiency or B1, with variances observed attributed to demographic criteria such as sex, age, educational background, and weekly English study time. The study found a significant relationship between ELP and the respondents’ demographic, indicating that ELP levels are influenced by sex, age, educational attainment, and the number of hours spent learning English per week, with males showing higher proficiency and older learners generally showing higher levels. The study underscores the need for tailored English language instruction for third-age learners, taking into account their specific demographics. It also considers the policy implications of institutionalizing programs for third-age learners in Japan, aiming to promote active aging, social integration, and overall well-being. Researchers, teachers, and curriculum designers may use this study as one of the bases for developing tailored curricula and instructional materials for third-age learners.

Life-long learning and evolving associative memories in brain-inspired spiking neural networks

Life-long learning and evolving associative memories in brain-inspired spiking neural networks

Influence of Higher Education E-Service Quality on E-Learning Student Satisfaction; As Moderated By Digital Literacy: A Mixed Method Research Approach

Introduction: This paper explores the impact of college e-service quality on student satisfaction in the context of the innovative practice of "Internet + Education" in order to research whether there is any difference in students' perception of college e-service quality under the influence of different levels of digital literacy. The research object of this paper is students of universities in Kunming, and the SERVQUAL model is extended. Among them, the independent variables are the five dimensions of e-service quality. The dependent variable is online education student satisfaction. The moderating variable is digital literacy. This research is based on relevant service theories. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is used. The results of the research show that the impact of service quality on college students' e-learning satisfaction is different under different levels of digital literacy. Objective: The research objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of the quality of e-services in higher education on student satisfaction in order to research whether there are differences in students' perceptions of the quality of e-services in higher education under the influence of different levels of digital literacy. Theoretical Framework: This research was expanded with the SERVQUAL model and followed the exploratory sequential mixed methods process of scientific investigation, from the initial selection of variables to the final discussion of recommendations and countermeasures. Method: In this study, the scientific survey process of exploratory sequential mixed methods was used to research the satisfaction of college students with online education based on the theory of digital literacy and service quality, using college students in Kunming, China, as the target of the survey, and a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Results and Discussion: The results of the analysis showed that the independent variable: the five factors of e-services (the higher, the higher the satisfaction of students. And under the moderating variable, digital literacy moderated all the other factors, only the relationship between responsibility and e-learning student satisfaction had no significant moderating effect. [synthesize the main results of the research]. In the discussion section, these results will be correlated according to the theoretical framework, highlighting the identified effects and relationships. This section also considers possible limitations of the research. Research Implications: 1. theoretical significance: by constructing a comprehensive theoretical model, this research aims to provide new insights into the field of e-learning. It not only helps to understand the impact of E-learning platform design and service quality, but also emphasizes digital literacy as an important moderating variable. 2. Practical significance: The research results will provide value to educational technology developers and educational policy makers, helping them to optimize e-learning platforms to enhance user experience and learning outcomes. Originality/Value: This research expands the SERVQUAL model by taking online education as the background, combining the actual situation of online education in China, and taking digital literacy as the variable. It allows colleges and universities to break through the original traditional education model. And lifelong learning and personalized learning are the focus of the reform of continuing education in colleges and universities. The results of this research will promote colleges and universities to continuously improve the quality of online education and provide reference for schools and teachers to carry out online education and continuing education.

Overview of the State of Influence of Information Technology on the Government Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In today’s technology world, many businesses rely on information technology. This influence has its reflection also on government sectors. Services and work are based on using different information technology programs, internal and external apps, digital documents, signatures etc. Information technology requires the entire package of knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for employees within a government organization to master and to achieve organizational goals. In first, digital competences are a basis that civil servants must have in order to master day-to-day business activities. These digital competences are not only learned, but through life-long learning they complement, perfect and create new ones. As one of the new scientific approaches, this article uses one of the innovative explanations as well as indicators of adaptation to a changing work environment. In short, human capital is the subject analyzed with influences for continuous improvement of knowledge and learning as well as influences of information technology. This process of adaptation to change, transforms critical business capabilities into modern ones. Through desk and situation analysis with government officials, the study found that the impact of information technology on the work environment is evident, and that environment includes a range of digital skills, continuous learning, and modern skills that combines in one. The conclusions of this paper are necessary for the continuous monitoring and professionalization of government employees in the areas of using information technology in their daily work.

Readiness for Autonomy Among CFL Learners: A Malaysian Perspective

Learner autonomy is paramount in 21st-century education, representing a crucial qualification for lifelong learning. In the area of Chinese as a second/foreign language (CSL/CFL), it is also an important objective of curriculum instruction. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on learner autonomy in a wide range of cultural contexts and distinct domains of language use, especially in the context of CFL. This study aims to scrutinize the readiness for autonomy of CFL learners within the Malaysian settings. The research utilized a quantitative approach to analyze the data. A closed-ended questionnaire survey was conducted with 600 participants. Specifically, the data were synthesized through descriptive statistical analysis to concretely consider the respondents' readiness for learner autonomy in terms of perception of responsibility, assessment of ability, and engagement in the activities in Chinese learning. Findings indicated that Malaysian CFL learners demonstrated a medium readiness for autonomy in Chinese learning. While participants exhibit a relatively high perception of responsibility for autonomous learning, their ability to assess autonomy in decision-making within Chinese learning is somewhat unsatisfactory. Additionally, they express less enthusiasm about engaging in autonomous learning activities inside and outside the classroom. The current study illuminates theoretical and practical dimensions concerning the readiness for autonomy in Chinese learning among Malaysian CFL learners. Moreover, it is anticipated to offer implications for further studies on autonomy development among CFL learners in analogous contexts.