Developing Competencies through a Virtual Experiential Learning Model that provides eCredentialing to take theory to praxis with evidence-based real-world experience, to battle the skills gap issue. Building a foundation alongside a relevant degree provides employers the opportunity to build a productive workforce for the future.
Content
This presentation will discuss the importance of redefining how competencies are developed in order to answer the many questions employers ask regarding the skills gap in potential employees. The skills gap dilemma has been a growing problem across our nation for at least a decade and it grows worse as we struggle to find a method of developing competencies that provide the foundation for employers to then develop new employees in the needed direction to grow revenue.
The literature indicates we see a dramatic increase in online learners to nearly 10 million in the next year. This number of learners are driving programs in learning institutions across the country. Many of these learners are adults, and seek the opportunity to advance themselves to a greater career opportunity. Through our Virtual Experiential Learning Model we have defined a system of praxis for every student to develop key core competencies through flexible Virtual Internship opportunities. The combined opportunities of a flexible experience engaging in real practice in conjunction with Competency Coaching the student will gain eCredentials with evidence-based information to promote their personal human capital to every employer they encounter.
Problem
Our challenges in academia today is making change without fear! Additionally, we experience challenges in our ranks related to commitment to change the lives of every student. We develop programs that are easily delivered, yet may meet the need of employers who seek core competencies that will allow then to train for specific skills.
Merriam-Webster defines Educating as; “to train by formal instruction and supervised practice especially in a skill, trade, or profession.” Is this what we do?
Students are leaving institutions yearly with degrees that many are unable to use and make that change they desired. Our systems must evolve to provide a practical hands-on experience that can be duplicated and remembers by the student when they enter the workforce for the first time or further advance themselves in their current organizations (Kolb, 1984). In academia we seek the importance of memorization, APA, and vocabulary. Our efforts must be focused on remembering through engaging, writing in a professional manner, and knowing how to execute the vocabulary. A competent workforce comes from a real competency experience where making mistakes result in the opportunity to correct it themselves. Evolution come with learning in the 21st century we provide basics, common book definitions, and a case study with the expectation this will make a student competent.
If we look at the online student and understand the demographic we are not helping them achieve greatness. We provide knowledge with no skills and the skills gap continues.
Approach
How do we provide competencies like critical thinker, decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving, professionalism, strong communication skills, to name a few on the skills gap list?
Our methods in both online and brick & mortar programs struggle to “instruction and supervised practice” as Merriam-Webster defines. Programs must develop at every opportunity the ability for every student to practice these skills in a safe environment where mistakes and learning are embraced with solutions created by those who committed the error. We have developed a Virtual Experiential Learning model Intended to afford real-life experiences for Virtual Interns create real-world experiences that will become their core set of competencies to bust the skills gap. We have a Consortium of Businesses, Startups, and not-for-profit organizations who understand the value of developing talent through real-world engagement.
Our cloud environment is built with the critical tools our consortium utilize daily in their operations and the virtual interns work through a competency coach who is tasked with developing Personal Learning Plans with the virtual interns to develop and practice in the business environment. The Competency Coach provides constant interaction inside the firm and in the eCredential learning system. Once the Virtual Intern has provided key evidence of the competency they are awarded the eCredential. In addition, upon completion of they will receive a Portfolio of their credentials and evidence. Our Virtual Experiential Learning Model utilizes the three-dimensional professional competency assessment model. This guides learners through the process of self-actualization,evidence-based experience, and career planning to acquire and maintain life-long learning and gainful employment.
Actionable results
Creating our Virtual Experiential Learning Model is a result of continued engagement, practice and learning. The development of every student from High School, First Time College, Adult Learner, Workforce Development, Long-term unemployed, and our Military entering the civilian workforce is about developing the foundation of core competencies that start them on the path to life-long learning and successful employment. Our ability to provide this program potentially enhances every relevant degree that every educational institution provides.
The skills gap is about a diminished and less than capable workforce. The ability to build a foundation that alongside a relevant degree provides employers the opportunity to build a productive workforce for the future.
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall