On 5 April 2011 Channel 4, The Open University and NIACE hosted
the Naomi Sargant Memorial lecture on the theme of "A Lifelong
Lifeline? New Technology and Lifelong Learning in an Ageing
Society"
The event was intriguing and full of many insights and lots of
unanswered questions about how we engage an ageing society with the
use of technology. Questions and discussions ranged everywhere from
practical uses, to the role of and opportunities for adult
education.
If you have some time, watch the
full Naomi Sargant debate on the 4 talks website. Or have a
read of some of the highlights below:
- We need to start moving from seeing education as utilitarian,
and instead as a means of transformation. Education should be
continuous and available for all, not just a means to an end (like
employment). Access to education is as important as access to
transport and health services.
- It's key that education is part of keeping skills up to date in
the labour market - people Age UK sees are in their 50s and still
have to work, but can't find the support to be re-skilled to be
competitive.
- 6.4 million older people have never tried the internet.
- The benefit of the advancement of technology is that someday,
people could participate virtually and not feel the technology is
in the way. It's important not to just think about the way things
have been and the way they are now - but the way they could
be.
- In this economic climate though, are visions of something that
could be better, being reduced to something that could be cheaper?
How do we change that back?
- Part of the educational issue is that many people think that
real education is only happening if someone does it to you. Julia
Middleton said: "Someone could sit and teach me something, but
unless I practice and take responsibility for it, it won't stick. I
will only learn and it will only stick if I teach myself. Young
people acquire skills by playing - we have to as well"
- Very few internet start ups stem from institutions. If
something is going to change - it'll be from someone unexpected and
in the generation it applies to.
- Breaking down the generational divides is important. It's not
just about considering educational opportunities for older people.
Age UK turns that on its head and uses the 65+ as teachers.
