Georgia Tech's 2025 Lifetime Learning Symposium explored new approaches to teaching, learning, and research that address 21st-century demands across age groups. After reflecting on the event and what they learned, the three co-chairs—whose vision and expertise made the event possible—recently discussed key projects, partnerships, and research that will carry forward from the gathering.

“From a previous focus on affordable degrees at scale, the College of Lifetime Learning's 2025 symposium expanded its theme considerably,” explains Ronnie Godshalk, Associate Dean, Learning Systems. “In a time of skepticism about higher education, we drew together leaders representing impactful approaches to learning and groundbreaking technology and research."

Co-chair Warren Goetzel, Director of External and Faculty Engagement for the College’s Center for 21st Century Learning, agreed, emphasizing the representation from the entire spectrum of lifelong learning. From K-12 educators to researchers, graduate students, chief online learning officers, and industry leaders, the diversity of the attendees truly represented the breadth of this community.

The co-chairs also concurred about the ongoing relevance of the four themes that guided the symposium.

The Value Proposition of Lifetime Learning

This theme is characterized by critical reflection on overarching issues such as return on investment for individuals and institutions and the impact of education on society.

"One of my favorite quotes is from Bertrand Russell: 'Now and then it's good to hang a question mark on things you've long attached a period to,'" said David Joyner, Executive Director of Online Education & OMSCS and Principal Research Associate, College of Computing. "The symposium provided a community collectively asking the question: why do we still offer this master's or bachelor's degree? The answer may be that it has this specific value. But once we've identified that, we also ask, are there other ways to deliver that value?"

Several presentations highlighted the potential of new high-impact programs, including Georgia Tech's Computer Science Teaching and Learning in Rural Georgia High Schools. Improving access to education and employment opportunities for youth was the focus of other university-led efforts across the U.S., ranging from camps to hip-hop initiatives to workplace partnerships.

Affordable At-Scale Programs

Godshalk emphasized the excitement generated about technology's potential—especially AI applications—to teach large student populations more effectively. The work of AI-ALOE at Georgia Tech features innovations for adult workforce training and higher education. The symposium also showcased AI-driven ways to personalize online learning, including AI avatars for innovating courses, AI for giving feedback, and scalable insights into 21st-century skills through AI.

Coupled with enthusiasm for AI, the symposium also spurred existential and practical questions about technology and its role in learning across ages and modes. Dean William Gaudelli’s keynote generated dialogue about key components of true learning. Each presenter integrating AI addressed questions about appropriate ages and purposes for its use. Researchers addressed challenges specific to ethical AI development, such as transparent reasoning and “theory of mind.”

Alternative Credentials and Research in Impactful Online Programs

Representing these themes were presentations that emphasized new partnerships across institutions and forward-looking research. New pathways for degrees and alternative credentials were exemplified by Georgia Tech's partnerships with the Georgia Department of Education, Siemens, the Technical College System of Georgia, and a similar partnership at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Industry leaders in digital credentialing, including ABET and 1EdTech, are key partners of several universities.

Research on AI, learning analytics, and learning design drew a large number of attendees. Georgia Tech researchers in C21U and other units presented learning analytics comparing online and on-campus graduate students, as well as K-12 rural computer science education. Colleagues at other universities provided AI-based insights into metrics for analyzing at-scale programs, as well as issues of retention and utility value.

Building Partnerships for the Future of Learning

Following the symposium, new partnerships and concrete approaches to lifelong learning have already begun, Godshalk said, highlighting Georgia Tech's initiatives that explore alternative credentials and AI applications.

“The need for the College of Lifetime Learning to exist and to lead is clear,” Joyner said. "Other departments and institutions can say ‘we're tapping into something bigger here.’ This is a broad trend that will grow."