Witnessing the power of Experiential Learning and Industry Certification in Global Competitions, and life
- Rare Innovation
- Aug 4, 2024
- 3 min read
In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world, a vast array of opportunities exist for traditional education to transform in order to truly prepare students for real-world challenges and evolving job market demands. The transformative power of experiential learning (TEL), combined with industry certification and AI technologies, is one of the many keys to achieve this and to build future-proofed economies.
This was evident and demonstrated, once again, at the worlds largest ICT competition with the 2024 Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship and the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship.
As such, TEL, with industry certification embedded in core curricula, equips students with practical skills and positions them to excel in these global competitions. Testifying to this, Salma Sanchez, the 2022 Adobe World Champion, spoke in a heart felt keynote of transforming into a confident CEO of her own graphic design agency at just 20 years old. Similarly, Ashyl Dumav, the US MOS National Champion and 3rd-in-World Global Champ, spoke of her incredible ‘lighting her fire’ journey, from certification experiences, combining the impossible of science and design to create innovative water-repellent fashion fabrics now showcased on Global modelling runways.
These success stories, among so many, highlight the value of experiential learning and certification. Keynotes from Kate Maxell, General Manager Education, and Liana Maharaj, Head of Student Learning and Certification at Adobe, emphasised the importance of creativity, technical proficiency, and real-world problem-solving amid the evolving world of AI. Underpinning a marvellous event, the 2024 competition saw 180+ participants, from a global participating field of 1.4m+, down to just 40 countries and, showcasing the brilliance and confidence gained through experiential learning environments and industry-certification.
The Necessity of Experiential Learning
Competitions like the Microsoft and Adobe world championships require participants, champions in their own right, overcome confidence, many barriers, foster creativity, prove technical proficiency, and the ability to tackle complex challenges. Experiential learning, combined with certification in the core curriculum, is the only real and credible way to truly help today’s students develop the skills and confidence necessary for success in the 21st century. With the digital enablers that facilitate personalised and experiential learning, it’s all upside for schools and educators; this approach reduces educators' workloads while enabling students to handle real-world assignments effectively.
Thus, to define and grow modern schools, integrating industry certification directly into core curricula ensures students gain relevant skills that align with industry standards. Certifications from Microsoft and Adobe, and the entire range, validate expertise and enhance employability. Embedding these certifications within national curricula prepares students for competitions and equips them with real-world experience and credentials.
Transforming New Zealand Education | Leapfrogging to Global Competitiveness
New Zealand’s education system can become a global leader by embracing experiential learning and integrating industry certifications into NCEA. Overhauling funding models and reimagining timetables will allow for deeper, immersive learning experiences. This shift will produce graduates who are competition-ready and poised to drive innovation.
By prioritising real-world applications and recognized credentials, New Zealand can produce graduates ready to excel in global competitions and drive innovation. Adopting these strategies and overhauling the limitations of the traditional timetable model will unlock the full potential of the NCEA system, propelling the country’s students to the forefront of global competitiveness.
Summary
In the fiercely competitive Microsoft and Adobe World Championships, the ability to analyse, innovate, and excel under pressure is invaluable. Experiential learning, enhanced by triple-loop methods and AI technologies, provides a holistic approach to mastering necessary skills. Embracing these advanced learning methods will set new benchmarks in excellence and achievement, ensuring students are well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities.
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