Flexible LEarning Communities Supporting Lifelong learning Across Borders

The demographic structure of Higher Education (HE) is changing. Graduates increasingly want to broaden their skills as they are confronted with the many changes in a globalized society. Six EUTOPI...

The project provided a framework and a tried and tested implementation tool (WP1) by exploring the potential for a European University Alliance to create a comprehensive LLL offer based on existing components of their curricula. Building on the development of the CLCs in EUTOPIA, FLECSLAB created a dedicated tool for all HEIs that goes beyond the demand of graduate students and addresses non-modal learners looking for international learning experiences. This tool includes guidelines and training modules to support HE staff in reaching out to adult learners. Secondly, through pilot testing and practical experience, the project has developed a business model (WP2) that will enable HEIs to continue their efforts to provide a high-quality LLLL offer. Due to its focus on active learning and innovative transdisciplinary topics, FLECSLAB actively involved stakeholders working in the social context of CLCs. It also identified the conditions for maintaining LLL capacity in HEIs as dictated by policy, regulations and legislation (enablers and barriers).

The project achieved its objectives through 2 main work packages (WPs). WP1: Lifelong Learning Toolbox: This tool was developed by working with a sample of 12 EUTOPIA CLCs who tested different formats of LLL. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 leaders, and the monitoring activities and evaluation by the 13 members of the Expert Education committee in the 3 workshops held during the project duration allowed us to develop a well-tested and documented portfolio of LLL formats that relate to different disciplines and sectors, as well as a sound framework to support the design and delivery of such educational opportunities and a set of practical materials to train HE departments interested in developing LLL opportunities within and outside the EUTOPIA Alliance (see Framework: EUTOPIA CLCs as Testbeds for LifeLong Learning and FLECSLAB Toolkit). WP2: Lifelong Learning Business Model: LLL Business Model was developed based on a benchmarking exercise in which useful formats and tools developed across Europe were examined and evaluated regarding the project objectives and outcomes. The business model consists of a series of sustainability scenarios, feasibility studies and policy papers describing the conditions required to develop and deliver the different LLL formats sustainably. The model elaborates several steps of the organisation of learning opportunities and is not limited to narrow business aspects. Previously, the report on identifying barriers and enablers to sustaining LLL capacity was also produced. Both reports were assessed and reviewed by the members of the Advisory Board (external experts in LLL). See: LifeLong Learning Business Model and Identifying barriers and enablers for maintaining LLL capacity.

FLECSLAB documented business scenarios for a wide range of LLL scenarios. In the final and crucial phase, FLECSLAB's experience was translated into policy guidance for academics, industry and public sector partners (Toolkit). The FLECSLAB team also published an article in the European Journal of LLL and presented research at the EUCEn conference (doi.org/10.53807/080234Re). In addition, the research team presented results at two international conferences (Eucen in Cork in June 2024 and the ECREA conference in Ljubljana in September 2024). The final WP deliverables were supported by internal documents (project management manual, analysis of CLCs, a roadmap of LLL potential, interviews with leads, reports on the workshops with the expert committee members, evaluations of the events, needs assessment with stakeholders, progress reports, report on dissemination and promotion activities, survey): WP1: EUTOPIA CLCs as Testbeds for LLL and FLECSLAB Toolkit and WP2: Identifying barriers and enablers for maintaining LLL capacity and LLLL Business Model. In addition, Supporting Lifelong Learning Across Borders FLECSLAB Fyler was prepared (https://observe360.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flecslab-Fyler.pdf). The final outputs are available for upload under Project results: https://eutopia-university.eu/english-version/eutopia-flecslab. All additional news, events, project results and other dissemination activities are available here: https://observe360.eu/projekt/flecslab/. A list of all dissemination activities and reports has been compiled, listing all news published by other partners and stakeholders concerning the FLECSLAB (internal report and excel sheet on Projects SharePoint).