Abstract:

The business of education is changing for adult learners - from higher education through the development of employees in the workplace. The sharing of information and knowledge has served as the foundation of most professional association products and services. The delivery of training and learning management must now face new realities and undergo rapid transformation. New models of learning present a variety of challenges and opportunities for academic institutions and training leaders.

This virtual session will begin by discussing four major disruptions that have been identified in research done by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Foundation, Washington DC, with the Institute for the Future (IFTF), Palo Alto, California.

These innovations include:
(1) episodic to continuous learning;
(2) institutional credentialing to open, micro-credentialing;
(3) face-to-face learning to co-present communication; and,
(4) servicing knowledge customers to building knowledge communities.

Adaptations that serve the demands of today’s adult learners are already beginning to shake up knowledge creation and delivery models. Real world examples, from professional associations, to higher education and beyond, will be shared to inspire you to respond to these trends before it’s too late.

Tracy Petrillo, CAE, EdD (April 2015) will conclude by presenting findings of her research on the adult learning journey to certification. She will showcase the voices of participant interviews that describe the challenges faced on a pathway to improving competence and leadership development. She will provide recommendations on how individuals, organizations, and Institutions can respond to the disruptions and enhance the lifelong learning experiences for employees and adult students.

Keywords:

Adult Learning, Professional Development, Lifelong Learning, Certification, Credentialing, Digital Badges, Open Badges, Leadership Development.