Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Talk is cheap: Why students need immersive experiences to build strong professional networks - Christensen Institute

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

According to this article, "while traditional educational settings have focused on knowledge acquisition, building social capital requires a shift towards experiential learning." Why is this important? "An estimated 50% of jobs are obtained through personal connections (and) estimates suggest up to 70% of all jobs are not published on job search sites." Actually doing the work in a real environment creates these connections. "Practice and follow-up allowed students to hone their skills in expanding their networks and maintaining those relationships over time as they progress in their careers." This is the advantage that elite institutions provide their students, and why a singleminded focus on discipline and content knowledge in open education shortchanges those without access to those networks.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Dec 10, 2024 1:23 p.m.

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