The educational ecosystem is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly more complex. To remain viable and relevant, post-secondary institutions must develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate this new complexity. Shifting demographics, increased competition, diversification of credentials and workforce needs signal the need for an enhanced focus on adult learners and other special populations. Adult learners can no longer be seen as “non-traditional” or “post-traditional”, they are in fact, the new majority.
Adult learners and other special populations require specialized understanding of the many challenges and barriers that “business as usual” approaches present that impede their persistence and success. Designing-learner centric programs and services are necessary to serve these populations. Understanding the potential opportunities and variety of approaches emerging opens innovative and exciting opportunities for institutions and learners alike. In this workshop participants will:
Learn about the shifting context and the many drivers of change impacting higher education.
Learn about the characteristics of adult learners
Learn how to design for the future
Challenge our assumptions
Rethinking purpose, processes, and structures
Utilize design thinking to become learner-centric
Identify useful resources