Flexible Learning: Enhancing Learning Opportunities in Higher Education in the Digital Age

Abstract

Flexible learning is characterized by its adaptability to different schedules, locations, and methods. This has emerged in response to socio-economic structure shifts and the rapid growth of technology in the digital age. Not only it transforms how individuals lead their lives, but also compelling them to leverage technology extensively for online learning. Notably, it plays a crucial role in expanding equal and continuous access to higher education opportunities for people of all ages. Digital learners are adept at using digital devices to quickly access and apply information. Higher education institutions should embrace a combination of formal and informal learning connecting expert knowledge with shared experiences, by allowing students to take ownership of their learning, tailor it to suit their personal needs, unlimited access to learning resources, and be able to analyze information efficiently, to ensure students derive maximum benefits from their learning pursuits. The flexible learning pathways found in higher education are 1. Getting into education: Provide a preparatory course to help learners gain necessary skills for higher education. Learners’ prior learning/skills acquired in both formal and informal setting are recognized by having students test their abilities for admission, 2. Going through education: Connect learning through transferring programs/courses to avoid redundant studies and enhance the likelihood of graduation, including flexible online learning for learners who need to combine their studies and work, and 3. Going out of education: Encourage work-based learning and ongoing education to enhance the competencies of workers, allowing them to transfer their learning achievements from formal, non-formal, and informal learning systems into the academic credit bank of higher education institutions, which is connected a central digital credit system. These credits can then be accumulated toward various qualifications, university degree programs, and lifelong learning.