VIEWS & OPINION How tech credentials are enabling lifelong learning and
breaking down the barriers of traditional education Comment by NICOLA PEARCE, Head of Education, BenQ
The education sector is evolving, and experiencing a shift following changing demands amongst students, educators, and employers. Conventional teaching methods are now being supplemented by modern alternative credentials and qualifications, better suited to the increasing need and demand for a further skills-focused teaching approach. Educators are increasingly recognizing the unique needs and individuality of students, especially in terms of personal development, highlighting the need for flexibility and accessibility in teaching methods, and shifting their focus accordingly. According to a recent survey, more than 55% of students work part-time whilst studying, a number which is expected to continue rising, emphasising the importance of developing and finding solutions to teaching methods, better suited to the student’s individual needs and to help them balance their lives.
The focus is now being placed on supporting students’ educational and personal development. By providing remote access to learning material, and making education accessible anywhere, at any time, they are taking a key step towards helping students have a balanced life, by enabling them to balance their work, education, and personal life. Employers no longer solely base their employment decisions on an individual’s university degree. Instead, they now look for other, alternative, and essential skills that are relevant to the workplace. Digital marketing certifications, data management, and cyber security training are some of the credentials that provide skills that apply to most modern jobs. Schools and educators have a responsibility to ensure that students are provided with the possibility to learn and develop these skills, supporting their students in preparing for a future beyond education. Additionally, with its cost-effective and time-efficient approach, the alternative teaching method provides access to education to a wider range of people and students, regardless of income, living situation, and background. This can help break down the barrier of inequality and inclusivity within education.
Recognising the inevitable evolution from traditional credentials to modern and alternative credentials can cause confusion and discussion amongst students, educators, and employers. Therefore, educators and employees must work closely together to discuss the importance and value of these credentials, and to what extent the shift should take place. This is why building awareness around the benefits and advantages that implementing new and alternative credentials into education can bring, is crucially important for implementation to run smoothly and be effective.
How alternative credentials can help students prepare for the job market
The job market is constantly evolving and becoming more demanding than ever before. Employers are looking for a wider range of skills and credentials, taking a step further from traditional university degrees and education. It is therefore important that students acquire a broader range of skills, provided, and evidenced through alternative credentials and supported by their educators.
Employers are increasingly looking for employees with relevant skills related to project management and certifications to prove and ensure they can be valuable assets across all operational activities. These credentials also ensure a basic understanding of project planning and execution monitoring, skills that are valuable at a personal and professional level. In addition to a thorough understanding of cyber risks, and skills related to mitigating these, there is undoubtedly a desire for skills related to data and cloud management. We are surrounded by data in all parts of
May 2024
our lives, and consequently, there is a growing demand amongst employers for employees to have a good understanding of data management. By implementing data bootcamps and comprehensive data management training in schools and educational institutions, students are guaranteed a basic level of data management skills, essential in driving decisions across businesses and industries, ultimately providing them with an advantage in the job market.
By providing courses and cloud computing certification, educators support the inevitable shift towards a cloud-based infrastructure which we can see progressing across all industries and organisations. Additionally, through the increased implementation of cloud technologies such as Google, OneDrive, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), schools are constantly preparing students for a life beyond education, where knowledge of how to navigate these tools is at high demand, and often even required.
Are alternative credentials the way forward?
Whilst alternative, modern credentials are tailored towards growing needs related to modern technologies and challenges, traditional credentials still offer great and essential value. Traditional and modern credentials both have strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to the individual’s desires and goals. While some might seek out a career in web development or digital marketing, others might seek towards more traditional career paths. Making the choice between traditional and modern credentials therefore is at the discretion of the individual, based on their career- goals and learning preferences.
Whilst schools and educational institutions provide a great variety of courses, modules, and opportunities for students to choose from, there is still a long way to go. There needs to be an improved level of collaboration between education providers, employers, policymakers, and stakeholders in order to adapt to the evolving trends and find solutions that accommodate these.
How to ensure the effectiveness of non-traditional education pathways
To ensure the effectiveness of non-traditional education pathways it is essential that we address the key concerns surrounding them and consider their multifaceted approach to education.
The introduction of new methods, technologies, and credentials in education has opened a vast range of opportunities and possibilities. However, it has also brought along new challenges and risks. Alternative credentials have received criticism for their lack of quality assurance, accountability, and transparency. To address these concerns, it is essential to ensure thorough transparency into the teaching methods, their potential consequences, and the value they offer. This will help create a better understanding of the purpose and value these credentials offer. We must view traditional and alternative credentials as equally valuable. A university degree is no longer exclusively what employers look for, as many now prefer to look for alternative credentials such as digital marketing, UX design, and data management. Ultimately, the decision between traditional and alternative credentials comes down to the individual, based on their desired learning outcomes and career goals. When entering a job market that values individualism and innovation, it is essential to choose the path that aligns with one’s career aspirations and goals. By doing this, we can break down the barriers of traditional education.
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