3. Learning city
As a learning city, Melbourne will foster lifelong learning and a collaborative, city-based learning culture in the municipality drawing on the rich resources of the city's education, business, cultural and government sectors. A learning city is a way of life where industry, education, business and the community come together to encourage, recognise and celebrate lifelong learning for all. It is a city that successfully integrates economic, social and environmental development. Usually, when we think of learning we think of formal education. But learning is so much more than just formal education. Learning is the process of understanding the world around us. And with the pace of change rapidly increasing, lifelong learning is the essential ingredient that allows us to thrive in a changing world. This will strengthen a city culture that celebrates learning and the culture of education through all levels from elite through to amateur Modern cities are grappling with increasing complexity, change and uncertainty on major issues such as urban sustainability. The learning city approach can engage the wider community to develop a smarter and more adaptive culture that prepares for change.1 Conventional education practices could be re-thought to incorporate new concepts for cultivating new leaders and talented workers through treating the 'city as a classroom'. Collaborative, city-based learning can increase social capital for individuals and schools with low socio-economic status.2 Collaborative learning is often characterised by the technology that enables disparate groups to work together and share intellectual property. As a learning city, Melbourne should explore opportunities for open source collaborative learning options to match the expectations of our networked, creative community. An emerging challenge for organisations is creating workplaces that attract and retain talent, connect people effectively and facilitate knowledge transfer and learning in the workplace. With the new skill sets needed to drive productivity, innovation and growth in an ever-changing environment, organisations are realising the value of tapping into the energy, skills and motivation of their people. International initiatives such as the Vancouver Learning City build community capacity and global competitiveness. Learning cities establish evidence-based, trans-disciplinary approaches to literacy and learning. Learning cities emphasise the fundamental importance of coherent learning and innovation strategies for developing knowledge-based societies.| Goals | Indicators | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Learning as a value Develop learning as a key value of Melbourne's culture. |
Per cent of the metropolitan Melbourne resident population engaged in formal study or training. Target: indicator to be developed Current: indicator to be developed |
Melbourne is viewed as spurring on creative and innovative learning through shared intellectual property. |
| Active culture of lifelong learning Build an active culture of lifelong learning within and beyond the municipality. |
Per cent of metropolitan Melbourne resident population engaged in formal study or training. Target: indicator to be developed Current: indicator to be developed |
Lifelong learning is central to the wellbeing and economic success in the city. |
| Active collaboration Cultivate an active collaboration between business, government and the community. |
Per cent of city-based businesses engaged in the provision of not for profit training programs open to the public. Target: indicator to be developed Current: indicator to be developed |
Business, government and the community collaborate and contribute to each others development and successes. |
| Accessible lifelong learning Lifelong learning is accessible to all members of the community. |
Per cent of the metropolitan Melbourne resident population in different age cohorts that are engaged in formal study or training. Target: to be developed Current: indicator to be developed |
Members of our community have access to a range of lifelong learning opportunities with the relevant support implemented. |
Global city ranking
- Canadian Council of Learning (2008)
- TELS Study on Learning Cities (2008)
The learning cities audit tool - European TELS (2003) The world initiative on Lifelong Learning, Edinburgh
See also
- Lewis-Fitzgerald, C. (2005) Barriers to Participating in Learning and in the Community RMIT University
- Vancouver's Learning City (2006) Lessons Learned
- The Boston Indicators Project
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