Designing Learning Experiences to Prepare Lifelong Learners for the Complexities of the Workplace

It is argued that the rapidly changing context of the workplace requires radical changes in the teaching methods and modes of delivery of the lifelong learner. This means that the approach to teaching and learning in higher education should place the emphasis on students that are autonomous and self-directed . This leads to profound implications for designers of open and distance learning (ODL) study materials as students in this environment usually reside far away from the institution and often feel alienated when starting this learning process. E-learning can change this landscape to become a platform where knowledge can be shared and discussed amongst peers. In this chapter I will, through a case study, give an example of such a process that not only creates a virtual rich environment for active e-learning, but also delivers critical thinking graduates to the workplace.