Expanding the Hyflex Footprint: How Denison University's DENISON EDGE is Taking Education From the Campus to the Workforce
Concurrent Session 7
Brief Abstract
Denison University's collaborative multi-modality project, Denison Edge, is leveraging Hyflex coursework alongside their face-to-face courses to serve local learners as well as create an expanded pedagogical footprint. This presentation will recount the journey to provide in-demand skills to learners who are looking to upskill or reskill in a multi-modality strategy.
Presenters
Extended Abstract
As we examine what is currently in demand, we can see that the pandemic-shaped workforce has become highly anemic. Data reveals that several industries are experiencing shortages of workers, finding it difficult to run businesses without them. Compounded by older workers leaving the workforce, companies are challenged to keep their goods and services flowing. Help wanted requests dominate service industries as a matter of course, while an all-out competition for workers has turned rising wages into a literal “cost of doing business.”
Employers have attempted to shore up the gap by attracting workers with higher wages. Still, it is challenging to attract potential employees without qualified people in the workforce pool. Many positions currently require degrees for a variety of reasons. Degrees can prove cognitive fortitude, resourcefulness, or specific skillsets. However, as most Americans do not have college degrees, this qualifier becomes a constraint. Many employers are now looking for employees without college degrees, searching for those who exist outside the regular pool.
Denison University has attempted to fill that need in the greater Columbus area. By providing in demand skills to learners who are looking to upskill or reskill to pursue their desired work path. Denison Edge provides a variety of learning experiences with a multi-modality strategy. Leveraging Hyflex coursework alongside their face-to-face courses, Denison Edge is able to serve local learners as well as an expanded pedagogical footprint.
Even though employers are pivoting toward non-degreed employees, those employees still need additional education or training. We are seeing a trend that more and more universities offer credentials different from the degree standard. These programs typically will offer specialized education in an alternative format. These alternative certifications will likely have three advantages in the coming months/years:
- Less constrained labor market
- Speed to knowledge can help industries train “Just in time” workforces
- Multi-skilled workers with a versatile fit
Therefore, an essential function of higher education institutions will be to create these alternative learning experiences with an eye on effective teaching and learning. This presentation will promote discussion around the following areas:
- Ensuring experiences are tied to the skills demanded by the market
- Threading effective teaching and learning throughout the experience, regardless of length
- Evidence-based completion where completers have an artifact valued by employers.
In many cases, educational institutions have the capability to build these experiences, but it will take a close tie to employers to make it valuable for the employment landscape.
This presentation will explore the journey of how Denison Edge came to be, what they do and who they are serving today, and how Hyflex learning has been leveraged to serve those in an outside of Columbus Ohio.