Lifelong Learning
The provision or use of both formal and informal learning opportunities throughout people's lives in order to foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for employment and personal fulfilment. dictionary.com
Digital Literacy
The American Library Association (2013) stated that, “digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.” Also, adults need to be lifelong learners especially when the expectations that adults must constantly learn and adapt to successfully navigate daily life. Current societal reality is technology is rapidly advancing and causes significant disruptions in how daily activities and services are conducted.
21st Century Adult Literacy Expectations
The unspoken expectation is adults need to maintain their awareness, knowledge, and use (when applicable) of current technological advances and their role in society. It becomes necessary for adults to be a lifelong learner that includes critical thinking and the ability to find and discern relevant and appropriate information. Twenty-first Century adult literacy demands the knowledge and skill of multi modal systems crucial for work, banking, health, child-raising, retirement, purchasing a house or car, and more topics necessary for success in life and community. Having a working knowledge of 21st Century adult literacy as well as having the ability to engage in lifelong learning to best-position their success, economic viability, quality of life, and be fully engaged in civic participation.