FutureLab Fosters Innovation in Informal Adult Learning

The reality is that adults are busy -- and recent research indicates that decreasing numbers of adults are participating in non-formal learning activities, such as evening classes.

FutureLab will will explore and make recommendations to policy and industry providers on the requirements of future technologies to support adult informal learning.

A not-for-profit organization, FutureLab works in partnership with others to:

• incubate new ideas, taking them from the lab to the classroom
• share hard evidence and practical advice to support the design and use of innovative learning tools
• communicate the latest thinking and practice in educational ICT
• provide the space for experimentation and the exchange of ideas between the creative, technology and education sectors.

'Harnessing Technology: Next Generation Learning 2008-14'

This FutureLab strategy aims to bring about a step-change in the way technology is used across the education and skills system, enabling learners to take greater control of their learning. In particular, it places emphasis on five key areas:

• learner entitlement
• engaging family and informal learning
• professional tools and support for teaching
• mobilising technology leadership
• fit-for-purpose sustainable technology based on personal ownership.

One of the primary goals of this research is to learn about and foster how families and adults use digital technologies to learn outside of formal education, to support universal access to learning tools and content for learning in families and adult informal learning.