Lifelong learning is part of our human experience. It happens every day of our lives, and consists of continuous personal learning, and also ongoing professional development, to keep pace with the rapid evolution of science, medicine and technology. 

Lifelong learning can happen in a variety of ways, increasingly it is being done online. New frontiers in learning are opening up in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We aim to explore the development of virtual teachers, and use computer-based programming to respond dynamically to learners needs. Traditional text based learning is being replaced by video and animation based learning. Infographics are important learning tools, and where text is required, it needs to be written in a style which helps overcome barriers to health literacy. 

Lifelong learning is motivated by curiosity, creativity, rationality, freedom, and open-mindedness. Like a never-ending scientific experiment we learn through a process of trial and error. We discover what rings true for each of us, what evidence we can rely upon, and over time we develop our own world view. 

Education should emphasize the facts, but also the sources behind the facts, and the strength of the evidence which supports those facts. A key component of any learning program is to develop a learner's ability to reason and arrive at new knowledge independently using well developed critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is a form of reasoning that is reflective, careful, and focused on determining what to believe or how to act. 

Fake science has been around since ancient times. However, learners can now be empowered to challenge fake information, by conducting their own review of the data and evidence, to reach their own conclusions. When a critical mass of individuals in society are able to achieve consensus on the evidence, there is an opportunity to move forward in a positive direction. This can have healthy implications for the individual, but also for the society as a whole. Debate and difference of opinion is encouraged in a good learning environment.

Visual learning pathways are highly effective in rapidly transferring scientific and medical information (2 out of 3 adult learners are strongest in terms of their ability to recall information that is presented visually). However, strengthening auditory skills (listening to different points of view) should also be a priority for instructional design. A recall and testing mechanism, can provide feedback to program organizers on what key messages were absorbed by learners. 

Understanding evidence-based medicine and science requires a knowledge of numeracy, and in particular biostatistics. Challenging learners to broaden their numerical skills is a key component of all our educational programs. Quantitative approaches to science and medicine can be complex and difficult to understand even for experts in the field. 

The interdisciplinary nature of scientific and medical discovery means that even members of the discovery team have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to interpretation of data and drawing conclusions.  Qualitative approaches are also important, as they provide practical case studies, which stimulate learner reflection. Case studies need to be carefully examined, to see if they are broadly applicable to a larger population. A case-based approach to learning is a powerful way to understand science and medicine.

Instructional design must also seek to address the problem of the equality in education. Discrimination by gender, race or culture, and unequal distribution of wealth occurs all over the world, and this means that extra effort must be taken to ensure that programs cover learning materials in a way that is inclusive of a diverse range of cultures, languages and communities.  

Outcomes Measurement is extremely important as a way to understand educational impact. Outcomes measurement efforts are important to show that a program has been worthwhile, and if it resulted in a behavior change or shift in world view for the learner. Measuring how learners respond to a program after it is completed helps to identify knowledge gaps for future educational programs. Gaining feedback from learners, and reporting on the outcomes of an educational program is a key element for a well-rounded, robust educational initiative. 

An educational program is not helping anyone if it does not reach its audience. For every educational program we develop we partner with community groups and professional organizations to reach the right learners. Media campaigns are an effective tool to bring educational programs to public attention. Learners sharing their success with other learners helps grow an organic audience.