Lifelong learning and personal learning environments: a productive symbiosis in higher education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The aim of this study was in first place, to validate the lifelong learning (LLL) scale, and for later, to analyze this learning perspective and its relationship with the educational approach of the personal learning environment (PLE). In the last year students do various degrees at a university in Costa Rica. METHOD. Using a non-experimental, transactional design, we applied a probabilistic questionnaire where the representative sample was (n=1187). For the validation, an exploratory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method with oblimin rotation was carried out. The scope of the study is descriptive and correlational. RESULTS. The results show that the LLL scale used is a valid, and the tool used to explore the topic is reliable. In addition, we saw a moderate inclination towards lifelong learning in the students, mainly about all the application capability of new knowledges and skills in practical surroundings, and how they relate to the new learning with previous acquisitions. DISCUSSION. It is observed a significant relationship among this training approach and personal learning environments, characterized by the use of the potential offered by technological tools. It has been found significant differences by gender, knowledge area, academic performance, and internet connection hours. Among the conclusions, it is pointed out that the universities must foster the linked competences with LLL to boost the PLE of the learners and propitiate its optimum social and professional insertion along their vital route.