%0 Conference Paper
%A Wardah Mohamad, 
%A Wan Rohaida Wan Husin, 
%A Zulhairi Zakariah , 
%A Nor Zafira Abu, 
%A Open University Malaysia (OUM),
%A Open University Malaysia (OUM),
%A Open University Malaysia (OUM),
%A Open University Malaysia (OUM),
%B Seminar Kebangsaan Pembelajaran Sepanjang Hayat 2014
%C Kuala Lumpur
%D 2014
%F library_repository:1013
%K knowledge economy, perception of the community
%T Lifelong learning in reality : the perception of the community
%U https://library.oum.edu.my/repository/1013/
%X Lifelong learning is an important part of the education system in Malaysia and has been implemented in various sectors of  the economy. It has been used as a tool to promote learning in order to transform the country into a knowledge economy.  Lifelong learning has taken various forms from formal education to informal classes, from long term to short term and  from face-to-face classes, blended classes to fully online classes. This research presents the findings from community focus  groups which were held over a few months in various locations in the country. The objective of the research was to gauge  the perception of the community regarding lifelong learning in Malaysia. Data was analysed through reduction analysis  and reported in narrative form. Findings reported differences in opinion regarding the modes of learning, the curriculum  offered, the attitudes of learners and the objective of taking up lifelong learning. Other issues brought up included the  financial aspects of lifelong learning and also the culture and values of lifelong learners. The paper concludes by giving  recommendations for improvements based on the analysis given. (Abstract by authors)