Learning from crisis: Robert Paddock on digital education innovation, leading during lockdown and what technology can't do.
As classrooms emptied and digital learning technologies rose to the challenge, a South African pioneer tells us what he learned.
During the peak of lockdown, in mid-April 2020, 94% of learners worldwide were affected by the pandemic. Nearly 1.6 billion students in 200 countries. South Africa was no exception.
Clearly, blended learning formats, including the enhanced use of technology, are not going away.
It's the perfect time to sit down with the man described as the 'Elon Musk of digital learning', entrepreneur Robert Paddock, to hear his vision and predictions for digital learning. What makes a good digital high school, what keeps corporate cultures alive during COVID, and exactly what has the pandemic taught educators?
Mover, shaker and educator
In a wide-ranging interview with Chania Stempowski, Joint Managing Director of Odgers Berndtson South Africa, the man who sold his first digital education venture for $103 million, covers all this and more as we consider a sector whose growth has been turbo-charged by global lockdowns.
The Robert Paddock interview covers:
- What human teachers can do that even the smartest technology cannot.
- Why micro-credentials will be the future of professional development.
- The crisis in resourcing SA schools and the role of digital learning.
- The rise and rise of non-certified education.
- Where the next growth in online education is happening.
- Finding the right blend of remote and in-person leadership.
- Creating the glue to bring people together at work.
- The importance of celebrating success.
- How to recreate in-office watercooler moments.
To discuss the issues raised in this interview, or your leadership or career requirements, please don't hesitate to get in touch.