New Learning Paradigm, a new generation approach

May 2016

Prepared by: Masoud Paydar and Adam Romano

The arrival of the Internet, and the current proliferation of online and mobile learning technologies, should alter the institutions and educational systems traditional model. As training professional we believe that the aged college and university model does not reflect the market’s fast-growing emphasis on informal learning and competencies.

One frequent observation is that majority of new generation are impatient and dislike the traditional classroom model and the length of stay in institutions and educational systems is becoming unbearable for most of them. Knowledge is readily available through multiple sources, including traditional classroom based studies, but expanding out through digital media, massive open online courses (MOOC’s), social media, and others. These sources provide a rich, focused learning experienced about a small, compact subject that is in the learner’s immediate interest. The skills learned and practiced through these methods are as valuable as any other, and serve an important part of our growing culture of competency based learning.

The ability to link these micro learning experiences with a qualification is missing. Learners in every age category are capable of performing tasks from completing their business taxes to developing their basement through online research and self-guided study. A new approach to allow a learner to discover and explore from any learning source, and then be qualified through an examination process is needed.

This new approach allows the learner to grow in specific, competency based tasks, and then utilize an institution to prove they have the ability to complete the task at the same level as if they had received formal training. The completion of specific groups of competencies can then be used to confer a degree to an individual who meets all of the requirements.

The commercial application of the model allows organizations to group together the competencies they value and seek qualified individuals through a tool that connects competencies to jobs. The reverse

allows learners to match up the skills they’ve demonstrated to organizations looking to expand their workforce.

Learners First

The new generation learners deserve to have access to new innovative learning models which can be

adopted to their culture and social behavior.

Learner-centered, engaged and excited in learning experiences. Teaching model should be customized for each learner. Classroom or a campus learning model is not the answer anymore Individualized Competency based training will provide knowledge, skill and awareness. Competency

based learning should be the center of new learning paradigm. The industry contributions on drafting competencies, acceptance of the new learning paradigm is

the key success factor and crucial part of the new reality.

Learning Model We should address competencies instead of college readiness. Competency based learning improves attention, problem solving, and sense of completion. Because leaners can obtain knowledge from variety of sources and learn with different rates,

learning is best measured by competency rather than being present in a classroom. Technology is an integral part of new generation’s lives, learning, and futures. Technology should be used as an enabler of competency based training. Educational methodologies across institutions and educational systems should evolve to be

verifiers and certifiers of the knowledge, Skill and awareness. Competency based training and certification requires the widespread industry approval of the

new model, applied approach, and implementation processes. Industry sharing and collaboration, maximizing the options available to learners and the

adoption of best practices. Industry accepted competencies should drive the design and delivery of competency based

learning, allowing for the learners be comfortable with the future acceptance and potential jobs from industry.

Design should be based on best models for student learning. Universities and educational institutions support learners, instructors, and the design of

competency based Knowledge verification and certification methodologies. Educational Reform is necessary to empower the new generation perception of Jobs, passion

and competencies which can lead them to confidence, competence, success and achievement.

I and Mr. Adam Romano are presenting a paper at "The Innovation and Leadership in Education International Conference, sponsored by Kappa Delta Pi and Mount Royal University". Here are our session detail:Title: New Learning Paradigm, a New Generation ApproachPresenter: Masoud PaydarSession: Session 2Date: Wednesday, July 6Time: 2:45-3:45PMLocation & Room: Ross Glen Hall, 1040