Reimagining Learning, Curricula and Programs
Companies need people who can think on their feet when plans change, who can work well with all types of people, and who can think critically and innovate. The Smith School must work alongside corporate partners & distinguished alumni to reimagine learning at all levels, incorporating technology- intensive classrooms, active and experiential learning, and modeling and practicing civil and productive discourse around challenging subjects.
Likewise, the school must be responsive to the growing needs, demands and desires of the market. There has been a structural change in the market, with an expanding demand for hybrid learning; post-pandemic, people want to attend classes at their convenience, in the location that suits them best. There is a growing market for continuing education from both private and public sectors. Being close to D.C., there is a substantial market for Federal and Fortune 500 company continuing education.
A modernized curriculum will expose students to current, pressing issues and leverage the newest technology to improve learning outcomes. Opportunities for integrated and interdisciplinary learning will provide students with the ability to address the complex, multi-faceted issues they will encounter in the modern business environment.
Goals:
- Modernize all Smith curricula to address the changing business landscape, employer needs and market preferences. Create truly differentiated learning experiences in all programs that leverage new pedagogy, formats and channels and explore hot topics and grand challenges.
- Create interdisciplinary learning opportunities. The world’s biggest problems have never been solved within a single, strictly-defined discipline. Climate change and societal inequities are examples of challenges impacting people around the world that require integrated, multi-faceted solutions. Organizations struggle with inherently complex questions around issues such as the adoption and deployment of new technologies, the blurring of traditional functional boundaries and the increasing impact of automated, algorithmic processes on individuals.
- Expand experiential learning opportunities that are interactive, collaborative and inclusive. This will require investments in both the sourcing of such opportunities and the management of the delivery itself.
- Innovate the design and delivery of courses by leveraging novel pedagogical techniques and technologies. We will foster, support and reward experimentation and research in new technology and pedagogical approaches.