Future proof your path through life, capture your lifelong learning as it occurs Phil O’Leary Recognition of Prior Learning Cork Institute of Technology

We are newly vulnerable now as we are subjected to so much change in how we live, work and learn Changes in work practices New technology Poor economy Mobile workforce

“job for life” is a thing of the past Continuing professional development Reskilling Upskilling Redundancy Job loss New career paths Emigration Working overseas

The trick is to “document as you go” through life

Have you considered what you know about already ? Learning through work Involvement in sports Community knowledge Voluntary activities Fundraising success Significant achievements

Activate your lifelong learning mode Consider the range of things you already know about

Think about the following areas of competence Problem solving Administrative abilities Communication skills Critical thinking Creativity Supervision and leadership Interpersonal relations Investigation and research

Each one of these areas represents an ability that is valued both in the world of work and in higher education Consider how you might document your abilities in relation to each one

Competencies Problem solving The ability to solve the problem in a timely, costly manner Administrative abilities effectively managing, handling and directing places, units, events and situations Communication skills effectively listening, sending, and responding to messages in a variety of audiences Critical thinking analysing problems, ideas and situations Adapted from Judith O. Brown, Barry University, USA

Competencies Creativity producing innovative ideas, designs and methods for new and/or existing situations, events and procedures as well as artistic expression Supervision and leadership effectively overseeing and directing people Interpersonal relations effectively interacting with others Investigation and research effectively seeking out and utilizing information Adapted from Judith O. Brown, Barry University, USA

Recognition of Prior Learning ww.cit.ie/rpl Where recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme of study

Recognition of Prior Learning ww.cit.ie/rpl Can be used for: non standard admissions; advanced entry onto a programme; or for exemptions from modules on a programme (for credits)

Recognition of Prior Learning All forms of learning count formal non formal and informal or experiential learning

e Portfolios “an e-portfolio (electronic portfolio) is an electronic collection of evidence that shows your learning journey over time.”(Barrett 2011)Barrett 2011

Use what is freely available sites.google.com

You can make a website for a number of purposes

Gardening/boating other activities Keeping record of bills paid Doctor/dentist receipts Projects and achievements Learning plan – personal development plan Document competencies Recognition of prior learning Genealogy or family records

Simple layout make out a page for each competency

Maintain a record over time Build e portfolio over time Document as you go Build on the generic competencies It all counts Protective in a time of change

Useful for Job interviews Capturing profile of your competencies Portfolio of work based learning Personal development plan or learning plan Recognition of Prior Learning purposes Add to your Linked In profile Add to Facebook