Graduate employability 2.0: Capabilities and networks for learning, innovation and career development in the digital age

Abstract

Society and the world of work are undergoing radical shifts under the influence of digital technologies, and productive participation requires a different set of capabilities than in the previous industrial age. This presentation commences by asking: What can the university do to foster vital 21st century capabilities, such as social network skills, enterprise, and career self-management? This presentation explores a model of the university as a hub of a knowledge network, building authentic learning partnerships between students, teachers and other learning partners as a way of fostering lifelong capability development and renewal. In so doing, it unites several powerful themes in the 21st century learning literature into one integrated model. These constituent themes include connected learning, communities of practice and legitimate peripheral participation, and learning lives. The presentation suggests practical ways for universities to start embracing the possibilities afforded by the knowledge network, using the Graduate Employability 2.0 connectedness learning model and educators toolkit at www.graduateemployability2-0.com, which are designed to foster the cultivation and promotion of professional partnerships and connections between and among learners, teachers, university programs, industry, and community.