The Learning Revolution

Book excerpt: This white paper outlines the Government's proposals to foster and encourage informal adult learning. Informal adult learning is part-time, non-vocational learning where the primary purpose is not to gain a qualification but learning for its intrinsic value. People participate for enjoyment and are driven by their desire for personal fulfillment or intellectual, creative and physical stimulation. Activities cover a huge range, from dance classes and book clubs, visits to museums, galleries and historic properties, online research, volunteer projects. Such activity contributes to the health and well-being of communities by building the confidence and resilience of the individuals involved, developing social relationships, and acting as a stepping stone to further learning and skill development. The Government will establish a clear identity for informal learning and promote four initiatives: a Learning Pledge; a Festival of Learning; an Open Space Movement and a Transformation Fund of £20 million. Partner organisations from the private and public sector will be invited to contribute to the strategy. Increased access to informal adult learning will be addressed through: widening learning opportunities for older people; reaching out to the disadvantaged; developing a package of support for community learning champions; increasing availability of informal working in the workplace. Technology and broadcasting are seen as crucial in transforming the way people learn: 65 per cent of all households now have an internet connection and 90 percent of the population has at least one digital television. Government will act as a catalyst, investing additional funding in building the capacity and linkages that enable innovative learning opportunities to flourish.