What Are Learning Cities?

What a learning city is, and what it will do for you

Learning Cities and cities of learning are flourishing across the world. They are making lifelong learning a reality in their communities by connecting people to learning opportunities – creating them, supporting them or doing them. Learning cities are about making connections and enabling opportunities for all. They help grow learning that is future-focused, locally connected and globally relevant.

We are part of a world-wide network that champions diverse learning opportunities, uses the strengths within the community and helps develop a more equitable and sustainable society.

The trend is growing...

Around the world groups are exploring ways to
create relevant and exciting learning opportunities

Remake Learning

Remake Learning is a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change.

UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international policy-oriented network providing inspiration, know-how and best practice.

Cities of Learning

Developed by the RSA and City and Guilds Group, Cities of Learning creates valuable new pathways into learning and employment by connecting and amplifying formal, informal, and in-work learning opportunities that exist across a place through a system of digital Open Badges.

Wise Qatar

At the heart of everything we do is the knowledge that our future lies in unlocking the most precious resource of all—human potential.

Photo: Erica Austin

Place Based Learning

Connects learning to communities and the world around us

Placed-based learning emphasises learning through participation within and for the community and aims to improve learner’s sense of responsibility and ownership of their environment. Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch promotes this model of learning that is rooted in what is local – the unique history, environment, culture, economy, literature and art of our city. We believe the sense of belonging or tūrangawaewae is critical for creating a vibrant city for today’s citizens and serves as an attractor for visitors. We acknowledge the role of mana whenua, te iwi ō Ngāi Tahu, and their important role in the city and in the development of a city of learning.

Life-long Learning

Where learning should take place at all stages of life

Learning City Christchurch supports and encourages lifelong learning. This ongoing, voluntary and self-motivated way of learning enhances social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development.

Photo: Erica Austin

Learning Pathways

Create your own

Learners have the opportunity to create infinite, personalised pathways for themselves to develop a sense of ownership for community sustainability and improvement. Learning City Christchurch supports learning as a ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ taking many forms and acknowledging that everyone’s mix is unique. This returns the ownership to the learner and allows them to map their own pathway through what interests them.

Recognising Skills with Micro-credentials

A growing movement

A microcredential is a mini-certification indicating demonstrated competency in a specific skill. Microcredentials are also on-demand, shareable, and personalised. Microcredentials provide an opportunity for learners to pursue focused learning at their own pace, and within their own schedules. This movement is growing worldwide and becoming widely used across tertiary, business and other education providers. Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch believes microlearning and microcredentials are powerful tools for creating a learning city. The Cities of Learning (RSA) is a great example.