Education Technology
Competency-Based Learning is the Key to Success: WGU’s Strategic Vision
Universities increasingly recognize that teaching specific job-ready skills matters more than traditional degree timelines for graduate success
Key takeaways
WGU's competency-based education model is designed to align directly with industry workforce needs rather than traditional degree timelines.
Both students and employers benefit from a curriculum structured around demonstrable, job-ready skills.
Technologies like virtual and augmented reality are being integrated into WGU's learning experience to prepare students for real-world challenges.
A critical examination of how universities prepare students for the job market marks the evolving landscape of higher education. Western Governors University (WGU) stands out in this changing terrain, committed to competency-based learning. This approach tightly aligns academic programs with the industry's urgent demands, positioning WGU as a pioneer in connecting education and employment.
In the latest episode of "The Future of Education," host Michael Horn explores WGU's use of competency-based learning to effectively bridge the gap between higher education and employment. Scott Pulsipher, President of WGU, joins him, providing valuable insights into the university's innovative strategies. They focus on WGU's alignment of education with workforce needs, ensuring graduates are both well-prepared and sought-after by employers. The two discuss:
- WGU's tailored approach to designing educational programs that meet specific industry needs.
- The shared advantages for students and employers within this educational model.
- The implementation of technologies like virtual and augmented reality to elevate the learning experience and equip students for practical challenges.
Scott Pulsipher brings his extensive tech and business background to this conversation. His leadership at WGU has been crucial in blending online learning with competency-based education, greatly improving accessibility and aligning education with industry needs.
About the author
Michael Horn speaks and writes about the future of education and works with a portfolio of education organizations to improve the life of each and every student. He is the co-founder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, and host of the Future of Education podcast on MarketScale.
