Who is the “new learner,” and how are universities redefining education to meet them where they are?

In Episode 4 of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt explore what it means to learn, teach, and grow in an era of constant change. From virtual cadaver labs to credit for prior learning and lifelong pathways that blend work, study, and technology, they dive into how higher education is transforming to support learners at every stage of life.

In This Episode:

• What defines the “new learner” and how their paths differ from traditional students
• Real stories of learners redefining success through flexible education pathways
• How community colleges and universities are collaborating for seamless transitions
• Credit for prior learning and the power of recognizing real-world experience
• How VR, simulation, and AI are transforming how—and where—we learn
• Why listening, relationships, and empathy matter as much as innovation

Learning today doesn’t follow a straight line. The new learner journey is about flexibility, relevance, and reimagining education as a lifelong, connected experience.