LEARNING EXPERIENCE

A look behind the design at Plato University

Plato University needed to create a radically new model for higher education.

CONTEXT

Duration: September 2021 - Present

Our Roles: Founder; Learning Designer; Facilitator

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Currently, higher education is failing to meet the needs of learners including helping them learn real world applicable skills, fostering a sense of meaning and purpose, and preparing them to solve problems.

PROBLEM

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Design a new model for higher education that matches learners passions to global challenges. Then, develop and facilitate courses and learning experiences that will help learners gain the skills to solve those challenges.

OBJECTIVE

Portfolio of applicable skills

Understanding self and sense of purpose

Gainful employment in mission driven organizations

1

2

3

Student Outcomes

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

PROCESS

Design a New Model for Higher Education

2

Develop Skill Courses

3

Deliver & Facilitate Live Learning Experiences

4

Debrief with Team & Learners

5

Discover Learner Needs

1

Conducted surveys and user interviews to empathize with learners and understand needs.

• What was their biggest challenge for college?
• What do they desire most from college education?
• What was their biggest fear about college?

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Researched innovative asynchronous and hybrid learning models to scale learning.

• Studied models like Minerva and other challenger universities.
• Studied progressive pedagogies like active learning, mastery based education, and more.

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

PROCESS

Design a New Model for Higher Education

2

Develop Skill Courses

3

Deliver & Facilitate Live Learning Experiences

4

Debrief with Team & Learners

5

Discover Learner Needs

1

Designed and developed new model and contributed to the making of the learning pedagogy.

• Tested in small beta of 3 students
• Incorporates user needs and innovative models
• View breakdown of Plato University’s pedagogy

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

PROCESS

Design a New Model for Higher Education

2

Develop Skill Courses

3

Deliver & Facilitate Live Learning Experiences

4

Debrief with Team & Learners

5

Discover Learner Needs

1

Designed & developed 4 courses, totaling 143 lessons with guided projects and resources.

• Short 10-20 minute daily lessons with activities
• Created outlines for each course and lesson
• Course audios have gained 250,000+ downloads

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Gathered, analyzed, synthesized and organized information to develop lessons.

• Curated content with guided activities for learners
• Sourced and adapted online resources
• Some courses include scientific studies

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Each lesson is curated with additional resources, worksheets, and activities to apply skills.

• Courses housed on custom designed LMS
• Audio and video lessons made with Adobe Suite
• Worksheets created with Word and Illustrator

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Designed website and custom learning management system using Webflow.

• Structure used for 4 courses totaling 143 lessons
• Integrated with with Webflow’s Membership Beta
• Preview site in Webflow’s Designer

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

PROCESS

Design a New Model for Higher Education

2

Develop Skill Courses

3

Deliver & Facilitate Live Learning Experiences

4

Debrief with Team & Learners

5

Discover Learner Needs

1

Facilitated discussions and projects based on curriculum design for 21st century skills.

• Designed using active learning techniques
• Asked open ended questions for critical thinking
• Class facilitated using Zoom, G Suite, and Slack

PROJECT

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Designed personalized learning plans and supported learners with 1-1 coaching & check-ins.

• Worked with each learner to develop their skills
• Curated resources based on learner’s goals
• Respond to student questions on Slack

PROJECT

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Delivered & managed programs while facilitating live workshops and supporting learners

• Fostered engaging & inclusive environment
• Provided real world examples of skill application
• Set context for exercises and learning materials

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

PROCESS

Design a New Model for Higher Education

2

Develop Skill Courses

3

Deliver & Facilitate Live Learning Experiences

4

Debrief with Learners

5

Discover Learner Needs

1

Conducting ongoing interviews with learners to address their needs and iterate programs.

• Ongoing user research with Plato learners
• Updating curriculum based on feedback
• Continued ongoing support of learneds

PROCESS

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

SOLUTION

Plato University combines a student’s passions with skill building to solve the world's greatest challenges

• 500+ students in skill courses
• 250,000+ downloads of podcast versions of courses
• Positive reviews and feedback from students

SOLUTION

Outcomes

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Putting students first and understanding their needs maximizes the benefit derived from a learning, improving the design of learning experiences and increasing positive student outcomes.

• “Coming into the Plato community gave me the accountability, made what I wanted to accomplish completely achievable, and also it was just completely fun” - Chase Morris, UX Designer
• “Holy cow. Brandon is the real deal. I've taken many many courses on many platforms from others, and I will have to say, when I took his Podcast Course, it was one of the best courses, material, and set up I have ever seen.” - Courtney Laschkewitsch, Open Innovation Product Developer

LEARNINGS

Impact

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience

Thank you for your time reviewing our work. If you have any questions or would like to hear about how we can apply these same skills for your organization’s challenges, please contact us.

CONTACT

Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Phone: 509-270-0233

Plato University | Email: brandon@brandonstover.com

Case Study - Plato University Learning Experience