OnWrd & UpWrd’s Post

"The workforce landscape is rapidly shifting, and many companies are starting to recognize the value of skills and competencies as equally or more important than traditional degrees." Read the article for more insights from the chief product officer of CompTIA in this Q&A with EdTechChronicle.

"The workforce landscape is rapidly shifting, and many companies are starting to recognize the value of skills and competencies as equally or more important than traditional degrees." Read the article for more insights from the chief product officer of CompTIA in this Q&A with EdTechChronicle.

🌟 Unlocking Knowledge: My Journey with Certification Courses 📚 As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional growth, I recently embarked on a transformative journey—one that began with a library card and led me to new horizons. 🌠 🔍 Background: Last month, I discovered an incredible resource right in my community: my local public library. Armed with curiosity and my trusty library card, I delved into certification courses that promised to enhance my skills and broaden my expertise. 📖 🔗 Two Worlds, One Purpose: Fast forward to today, and I find myself straddling two worlds—the one where my library card unlocks knowledge and the other where my LinkedIn profile reflects my professional journey. Yet, there’s a gap—a missing link—that I believe could elevate the learning experience for countless learners like me. 🔑 The Challenge: Unrecognized Efforts: While diligently completing certifications and individual courses, I’ve poured my heart and countless hours into mastering new skills. But alas, without the ability to directly link these achievements to my LinkedIn profile, it feels like my efforts remain hidden in the shadows. Potential employers may not fully grasp the dedication behind those digital badges and certificates. And I know I’m not alone in this struggle; thousands of fellow learners share this sentiment. 🌟 The Power of Recognition: Imagine a world where our hard work isn’t just a fleeting accomplishment but a tangible testament to our commitment. When employers, co-workers and peers can seamlessly view our certifications alongside our professional profiles, it adds credibility to our journey. It’s more than a checkbox; it’s a bridge—a connection that showcases our expertise and growth. 🚀 The Suggestion: Enable Certification Linking: My humble suggestion to LinkedIn Learning is straightforward: empower learners to link their personal accounts (those created with library cards) directly to their LinkedIn profiles. This seemingly small change could yield significant impact. Learners deserve recognition, and employers benefit from a clearer picture of our capabilities. This all that said, I am honored to have earned another AI based LinkedIn Learning certification. #LinkedInLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifelongLearning

Eight years ago, I remember being a dedicated LMS Training Facilitator & witnessed how Blackboard helped people grow their careers and make an impact. It was a company that fostered not just professional development but a sense of community. Fast forward to today, and so much has changed—for the better. Since Blackboard merged with Anthology, our company has transformed into something much bigger and more impactful. The merger reshaped how we approach education technology, integrating our strengths into a unified platform that serves learners and educators on a global scale. It’s been incredible to witness—and be part of—that evolution. I’m especially proud to see Blackboard now ranked as a top learning management system by a leading EdTech analyst (https://lnkd.in/eDd5CXJ5). It’s a reminder of the incredible work our teams have done and the trust that institutions have placed in us. Being part of this journey has been inspiring, and I’m excited to see what’s next for us as we continue empowering education worldwide. #AnthologyProud #Blackboard #EdTech #BeReal #BeBrave #BeOpen

Free Resources to Upskill and Reskill for the Future: Level Up Your Career (Without Breaking the Bank!) Hey Friends, The future of work is all about adaptability and continuous learning. But let's face it, upskilling and reskilling can sound expensive. The good news? There's a wealth of amazing resources available for free to get you on your learning journey! Gear up for your career evolution with these fantastic options: 1. Online Learning Platforms: Coursera: Offers a diverse range of free courses from top universities and companies, from coding to data science to marketing. edX: Explore free courses from prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard, covering various fields like business, engineering, and computer science. Khan Academy: Master fundamental skills in math, science, and more with engaging lessons and practice problems. YouTube Learning: Harness the power of YouTube! Find free tutorials, lectures, and workshops on virtually any topic imaginable. 2. Open Educational Resources (OERs): MIT OpenCourseware: Access MIT course materials, including lectures, assignments, and exams, for free. OpenLearn: Dive into free courses from prestigious UK universities on a wide range of subjects. Project Gutenberg: Download thousands of free ebooks on various topics to expand your knowledge base. 3. Podcasts and Webinars: Podcasts: Subscribe to podcasts focusing on your desired skillset. Many offer valuable insights and practical tips for free. Webinars: Join free webinars offered by companies and organizations on current industry trends and in-demand skills. 4. Libraries and Community Resources: Local Libraries: Many libraries offer free computer access, online learning resources, and even workshops on relevant skills. Meetup Groups and Online Communities: Connect with like-minded individuals in your area or online who share your learning goals. Remember, consistency is key! Even a small amount of time dedicated to learning each day can lead to significant progress. Leverage these free resources, set achievable goals, and watch your skills soar! Share your favorite free upskilling resources in the comments below! Let's build a community of lifelong learners together. #FreeResources #Upskilling #Reskilling #FutureOfWork #LifelongLearning #LevelUp

Why 'Learn-It-Alls' Are Replacing 'Know-It-Alls Want to know what unites high-performing organizations - from Fortune 500s to leading educational institutions? A learning culture that transforms everything. Here's what the research shows: Corporate Sector: 92% more likely to innovate (Bersin & Associates) 58% more prepared for future challenges (LinkedIn Learning) K-12 Education: 43% higher student achievement in schools with strong professional learning cultures (Learning Forward, 2023) 68% reduction in teacher turnover (NCES Teacher Follow-up Survey) Higher Education: 35% increase in student persistence rates when faculty engage in continuous learning (Chronicle of Higher Education, 2023) 52% higher research output in universities with established faculty learning communities (ACE Study 2023) The secret? They all: Make learning visible and celebrated Treat mistakes as growth opportunities Build feedback into daily routines Dedicate protected time for learning But here's what nobody talks about: Building a learning culture isn't about more training programs. It's about making learning just how we do business. Seamless. Expected. Integrated. Like Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella said: We need to shift from "know-it-alls" to "learn-it-alls." ♻️ If you found this interesting or helpful, please share with your network. 🤔 How are you building a learning culture in your educational institution or organization? Let's share ideas! #LearningCulture #Education #HigherEd #K12 #ProfessionalDevelopment

🎉 Excited to share that I’ve officially earned my 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 (𝗠𝗖𝗘) 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🎉 This journey has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 (𝟮𝟭𝗖𝗟𝗗) and integrate cutting-edge educational tools and strategies into my teaching practice. Through this certification, I’ve gained valuable insights into how we can better equip students with the essential skills they need for the future, such as: 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Designing learning experiences that encourage teamwork and meaningful interaction among students. 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Helping students effectively express ideas, utilizing digital tools to convey their thoughts clearly and creatively. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Supporting learners to set goals, track their own progress, and develop responsibility for their own learning journey. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Enabling students to build on existing knowledge through research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: Creating scenarios that challenge students to apply their learning to real-life contexts. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Leveraging technology to not only enhance learning but also empower students to be creators and innovators in the digital world. I’m eager to bring these principles into my classroom, fostering environments where learners are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Looking forward to implementing these frameworks and continuing my journey of 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴!  🌍📚 #MicrosoftCertifiedEducator #21stCenturySkills #EdTech #ContinuousLearning #EducationForTheFuture

Today marks a significant milestone in my journey as an EdTech consultant – two years ago, on this very day, I closed my first consultancy contract in the world of education technology for Accredible. As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences, lessons, and growth that have shaped my path since that momentous day. I've realized a few key lessons that have shaped my approach to credential innovation. Adaptability, a zeal for continuous learning, and the strength of a collaborative network have been the pillars of my growth and success. Starting with a vision to build the consultancy arm from scratch, I quickly learned the importance of understanding the unique needs of each business and learner we serve. This journey wasn't just about mastering the technical aspects; it was about forging a path to revolutionize how organizations view and manage credentials, making learning and achievement more accessible and meaningful. On a personal note, overcoming early challenges and striving to make a significant impact have fueled my passion for fostering a culture of growth and curiosity. I am a firm believer in the power of education and the doors it can open, not just for individuals but for society as a whole. As I look to the future, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. It's about more than just credentials; it's about building a more inclusive, empowered society through the transformative power of education. To all those who have been a part of this journey – clients, colleagues, mentors, and friends – I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your support, collaboration, and inspiration have been instrumental in shaping the consultant I am today. And to those who are considering embarking on their own EdTech journey, I invite you to reach out. Whether you're looking to optimize your digital learning strategy, implement cutting-edge technologies, or navigate the ever-changing landscape of EdTech, I'm here to help. Together, let's continue to innovate, collaborate, and transform the future of education for generations to come.

Unlocking the Future of Professional Learning: A Vision for Value-Based Education In today’s rapidly evolving market, the need for skilled, job-ready professionals is more critical than ever. However, the traditional approach to online education often falls short, producing certifications without practical, hands-on experience. It’s time for a transformative shift toward value-based learning that bridges this gap, creating real-world impact and ensuring professionals are truly prepared for industry demands. At the heart of this vision is a unique integration of real-world projects into our certification programs. By partnering with industry leaders, we may provide learners with the opportunity to work on actual projects, gaining invaluable experience that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. Imagine a future where every certified professional has not only the credentials but the proven skills to tackle complex challenges from day one. Here’s how we may make this vision a reality: 1. Strategic Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with top companies to embed real-world projects into our curriculum. This ensures our learners are solving genuine industry problems, making them highly attractive to employers. 2. Mentorship Networks: Establishing a robust network of seasoned professionals who guide learners through their projects, offering insights and expertise that enrich the learning experience. 3. Continuous Learning and Recertification: Emphasizing ongoing education to keep skills current with industry advancements, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth. The market potential is immense. With the global online education market projected to reach $350 billion by 2025, the demand for skilled professionals in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing is soaring. By capturing just 5% of the serviceable addressable market, we can achieve a substantial impact, driving $7.75 billion in revenue. This approach not only enhances the value of our certifications but also addresses the critical skills gap in today’s workforce. It’s a model that promises significant ROI for investors, ensuring a steady pipeline of job-ready professionals. Imagine what we could do together in revolutionizing professional education. Let’s build a future where learning is synonymous with real-world expertise, and every professional is equipped to excel. #ValueBasedLearning #ProfessionalEducation #Mentorship #IndustryPartnerships #ContinuousLearning #CareerGrowth #FutureOfWork