←All posts
EdTechDec 5, 20245 min read

Why practical outcomes matter more than certificates

The EdTech industry has a completion problem — and a deeper outcome problem. Here's what actually helps learners succeed.

The EdTech industry loves to talk about completion rates. But completing a course and being able to apply what you learned are very different things.

Most online courses have completion rates under 10%. The ones that do get completed often leave learners with knowledge they can't use in a real job. This is the outcome problem.

What employers actually want

When companies hire, they're not looking for people who can pass tests. They're looking for people who can:

  • —Solve real problems with the tools they know
  • —Work effectively in a team
  • —Learn quickly when they encounter something new
  • —Communicate clearly about technical topics

    • What good EdTech looks like

    The best courses share a few characteristics:

  • —Projects that mirror real work
  • —Feedback that's specific and actionable
  • —A community of learners at similar stages
  • —Mentors who've done the work themselves

    • The certificate trap

    Certificates have their place. But a certificate without the ability to do the work is a liability, not an asset. Build things. Get feedback. Improve. The certificate can come later — or not at all.

    W

    Webzioan Technologies

    Published Dec 5, 2024