The Culture of Learning; the Learning of Culture
Has
there ever been a time when the value and culture of learning has been so
critical to our society? The state of unknowing has seldom been so evident.
We recognize the gaps in our understanding of cultures--there is much we
need to learn. Then we must allow our learning to influence long-term just
policies that enable us to live in peace.
The culture of learning is essential, and we must do our best to promote that culture worldwide--not promote our culture, but promote openness to ideas and freedom to think, to consider, to believe. Now more than ever learning and the lack of understanding are staring us in the face. Schools and universities, businesses and organizations, governments, and whole nations are confronting their knowledge gaps. Organizations can't survive long without incorporating a culture of learning where new ideas and processes are welcome. Companies and governments upholding outdated ideas and prohibiting new ones face developmental bankruptcy. In a rush to provide our students with the "basics" or to meet the standards or to get the degree, we might fail to inculcate the culture or habits of learning-- learning just for the sake of learning itself.
E-learning and distance learning offer the promise of enhancing cross-cultural learning, because there are no geographic boundaries to the community of learning. E-learning also encourages people to learn at any stage in their lives. Now, if we can only make sure that learning is available to all. More than anytime, anyplace--wherever, whenever, whomever.
In this issue you will read about some of our work in trying to expand the culture of learning. Two recent projects are most noteworthy on a worldwide scale: Habitat (for Humanity) University and the World Health Organization. In both we are designing open learning, blended learning, and e-learning services for people who have the noble goal of service to fellow human beings in very diverse, often very remote areas.
Our staff at Hezel Associates has the supreme pleasure of learning and working with clients who are dedicated to helping their clients learn, and through learning, to expand a culture of understanding across many cultures. Together we will put away ignorance, at least in some corners of the world.
We offer our best wishes to you for a thoughtful, learning-filled 2002.
Sincerely,
Richard Hezel, PhD
President