Lifelong Learning - Thing #2

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am participating in Learn & Play @ CML. As I go, I will be posting about each of the 23 "things" that we do, in hopes of getting cool prizes at the end. This is my first official post about one of the things - namely, Thing #2. Thing #1 was simply familiarizing myself with the program, so I didn't really need to post about that. (Hmm, this is starting to sound like a Dr. Seuss book - Thing #1 and Thing #2.) I hope even my non-library staff readers will find my posts about the "things" somewhat interesting, even if you already know all this stuff.

Anyhow, I just watched an online tutorial about lifelong learning. Ironically, I had already watched it before on my own when I first learned about the Learning 2.0 program. But I watched it again, and it got me thinking about people I help everyday at work. So many of them have just given up on learning, especially when it comes to computers. Most of the time it's people who need jobs, and employers expect them to be able to fill out a job application online even though they've never touched a computer before. Some of these people just want you to do everything for them, which can be really frustrating. How do you convince someone to learn when they don't want to? How do you make it exciting for them?

But not everyone is that way! We have so many customers that come to our technology training classes - they want to learn, and even if it's difficult for them, they are making progress. It's extremely rewarding to see people take charge of their lives and better themselves - and know that you played a small part in the process.

As for me, there are a lot of things I want to learn. Right now, I need to learn more about investing. Not only for my own financial gains, but because I deal with investment and business questions on a daily basis - I certainly don't want to be stumped when someone asks me to look up the price of a bond! Also, one of the 23 things is learning about wikis, and although I already know what a wiki IS, I am definitely curious about why and how libraries are using them.

Now for the assignment part of the project: what is easiest and hardest for me to do? Out of the 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, I think it's easiest for me to teach and mentor others. I love sharing what I know with other people! On the other hand, it's hardest for me to have confidence in myself as an effective learner. I can get easily frustrated if I don't "get" something right away. That's definitely something I need to work on!

So, dear readers - what are you learning about right now, or what do you want to learn more about? Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner?

2 Responses to "Lifelong Learning - Thing #2"

Anonymous responded on 8/16/2008 10:38 AM #

I love learning new things! Especially leaning how to do certain crafty things. I have a book on knitting that I']ll be getting to here shortly. I also love learning different cooking techniques. The Asian cooking methods are fascinating! I love reading books about other cultures, seeing how different they are from my own. (Although I will admit most of the books Ive been reading have been fiction recently. I'm on a Dickens kick....)

From a technology standpoint, it is imperative for us to learn about the newest computers and programs. Our society depends on them and as we progress, that dependence is only going to increase. I don't want to become one of those old ladies calling my grandson asking how to turn the computer on, or just giving up like so many do.

And on an unrelated note, thanks for the cakewrecks link! Those are cracking me up!!

Ryan responded on 8/16/2008 5:15 PM #

I consider myself a lifelong learner - I think it's dangerous to just think you've learned all that you can after a certain point.