Blended learning is dead...arise 'social learning'

In her fantastic book 'Uncivilised: 10 lies that made the west', Subhadra Das argues that traditional models of education, with their roots in colonialism, imperialism, class division and racism, only serve to marginalise and fragment learners which leads to many people having a negative perception of learning and education. In my quest to find changemakers, innovators and leaders in the world of learning and development I recently recorded a podcast with David Thompson, a technology entrepreneur that has created a world leading platform to bring learning and development in to the digital age.

David Thompson's journey began in circumstances far removed from the world of cutting-edge educational technology. Born into poverty in the 1970s, his early years were marked by hardship. being forced to steal potatoes from neighbours allotments in order to have something to eat at six years old and witnessing household violence instilled in him a powerful urge to rise above his environment. Despite these challenges, his experiences shaped a tenacity and a quest for knowledge that would later fuel his ground-breaking contributions to the world of learning.

David's path to transformation took a significant turn when he joined the British Army. There, amidst a harsh environment filled with discrimination and bullying, he found a system – a structured way of learning and leading, which he initially resented but ultimately embraced as essential for personal development. Leaving the Army, he ventured into a career in sales, where he discovered his passion for the science of influence and persuasion. This passion led him to study with luminaries like Paul McKenna and Robert Cialdini, delving deep into how human behaviour can be influenced ethically and effectively.

David's thirst for understanding and his drive to make learning accessible and impactful culminated in the creation of 'Suada'. This innovative platform is not just another learning management system; it's a revolution in how technology can facilitate learning at scale. Built on the principles of the Feynman Technique, it focuses on learning retention by having learners teach back what they've acquired, thus ensuring deeper understanding and long-lasting retention. Suada's architecture is rooted in social learning, leveraging the technology we all carry – our mobile phones to make learning easy, accessible, and, most importantly, social. The platform allows learners to engage with peers, creating a sense of community that enhances the learning journey.

What sets Suada apart is its commitment to start learners where they're strong, not where they're weak. It uses a pre-course assessment to tailor learning paths, ensuring learners begin in their areas of expertise, which fosters confidence and enthusiasm. The platform also awards digital badges, micro-credentials stored on blockchain, recognising achievements and providing tangible evidence of progress. Suada is not just a tool; it is a talent finder. By enabling learners to showcase their skills and knowledge through teach-back videos, it reveals hidden talents and potential leaders, providing organisations with the ability to identify the ‘talent that whispers’.

While Suada has immense potential across various fields, its application in sports and coach development is particularly exciting. The platform addresses the pressing need for accessible and effective learning tools in sports, where traditional methods often fall short. Coaches and athletes can now engage in a continuous learning process that is both flexible and impactful, breaking down the barriers of conventional training and instruction. The ability to learn in groups and to learn when you can wherever you are means that on demand learning is now within reach and can be flexed around busy lives.

David Thompson's story and the evolution of Suada are reminders of the power of resilience, innovation, and ethical influence. As Suada becomes a prominent player in educational technology, it offers a new model for learning – one that is social, mobile, and truly transformative. If you are an educator, coach, or learner seeking to be part of this exciting journey, I urge you to explore Suada and consider how it might revolutionise your approach to learning and development. The future of education lies in platforms like Suada, where the focus is not just on delivering content but on fostering genuine understanding and growth.

The digital revolution has harnessed a new landscape for learning, and Suada is right at the razor’s edge of this transformation.

If you would like to arrange a demo of the platform and have any questions answered about the way it can work in your context, please drop me a line and I will set this up.