Educast 3000

In this episode of the Educast 3000 podcast, hosts Ryan Lufkin and Melissa Loble welcome Sarah DeMark, Vice President of Workforce Intelligence and Credential Integrity at Western Governors University (WGU). Together, they explore Sarah's extensive background in education and assessment, the significance of competency-based education (CBE), and the evolving landscape of skills-based learning. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education, the role of the Open Skills Network, and the importance of lifelong learning in today's workforce. Sarah shares valuable insights on change management, the future of CBE, and how institutions can better align their programs with employer needs. The episode concludes with advice for both educational institutions and technology vendors on how to support the shift towards skills-based education.

Takeaways

• Change management is crucial for successful implementation.
• Competency-based education focuses on skills and competencies rather than seat time.
• WGU serves working adults with relevant experience.
• AI can enhance assessment integrity and efficiency.
• Skills-based learning is essential for workforce alignment.
• Lifelong learning is necessary in a rapidly changing job market.
• The Open Skills Network aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
• Employers need clear communication about skills and competencies.
• Students should understand the relevance of their coursework to real-world skills.
• Collaboration between education and industry is vital for success.