Designing Lifelong Learning Infrastructures in Smart Societies
Keywords:
Lifelong learning, Smart societies, Technological infrastructure, Educational policy, Learning culture, Digital equityAbstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the key dimensions of designing lifelong learning infrastructures in smart societies, focusing on technological, institutional, and cultural components.
Methods and Materials: This qualitative review study employed inductive content analysis. Data were collected through a systematic review of academic sources from major international databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, and Google Scholar. After initial screening, twelve relevant peer-reviewed articles were selected for analysis. Data coding was conducted using Nvivo software (version 14) at three levels: open, axial, and selective coding. Article selection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Findings: The qualitative analysis revealed that lifelong learning infrastructures in smart societies are built upon three main dimensions: technological infrastructures (artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and interactive digital environments), institutional and policy dimensions (learning policy frameworks, skill accreditation systems, data governance, and policy evaluation), and socio-cultural aspects (learning culture, digital equity, community-based learning, and the role of interactive media). Findings emphasized that the integration among these dimensions is essential for the success of lifelong learning ecosystems in smart societies.
Conclusion: This study concludes that lifelong learning in smart societies is an interdisciplinary phenomenon sustained only through technological integration, policy support, and cultural institutionalization. Designing learning infrastructures based on a smart ecosystem model can simultaneously promote educational equity, innovation, and sustainable development.
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