A technological transformation during the past decade has eliminated the boundaries between formal and informal learning. As people adapt to a knowledge-driven society, a cultural transformation is occurring. Lifelong learning is an essential goal of education as a means to improve the quality of life for an individual, a culture, or a society. The value of sustained learning is demonstrated through changes in economic growth and social well-being, as well as the development of a democratic way of life. Although there are now opportunities to engage in learning anytime or anywhere, educators must address the issue of how to foster the desire for sustained and enduring learning and, more important, create environments that are conducive to the lifelong learning process. The need to understand the conditions necessary for facilitating this type of learning requires an understanding of the behaviors associated with autonomous learning coupled with self-efficacy beliefs. Once learners are able to understand their own capacities for learning--any learning--they are fundamentally changed with regard to their personal view of their capabilities and competence. The learning reinforces beliefs and efficacious behaviors for lifelong and sustained learning. (Contains 2 figures.)