Adapting to change, using digital education and communications tools. Cengage’s MindTap helping create a solid foundation for experiential learning.

I was told by a very successful entrepreneur that when we want to get perspective, come up with the new ideas or focus we need to adjust our mindset based on the principles of experiential learning. When I asked for some ideas, he suggested I work somewhere new, mix things up a little, like working from a coffee shop, the garden or even better the beach.

I am writing this blog from my parents’ garden, having left campus 60% of the way through my Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. Now that I have somewhere new to think and study, I am adjusting my mindset to maximise learning at this time of new experience for all of us. I want to share with you how I am achieving this with the help of MindTap - an online learning solution my lecturer has implemented for our course.

Having packed up in Exeter in preparation for social distancing, a part of the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was very apprehensive about how I would continue to maximise the learning routines I set in place at the University of Exeter Business School. The resources we had available as a cohort were vast and our maturity as a group was truly in an advanced stage. In just a few more weeks we will move into the elective and client consultancy project phases of our MBA. Now everything has changed. I do however see an opportunity to test the mindset principles of experiential learning, away from the library and lecture theatre, as we move to a fully digital course delivery method.

During the MBA programme we have used many learning methods and tools, such as the library. Whilst the library has a huge catalogue, it is mainly physical and linear, this is why I have particularly been drawn to the digital approach and offering from MindTap. This is a personalised platform that is available on Mac/PC, tablet and smartphones. Not only can we access our text online, it has quizzes and test activities built into subject areas. I can build a personal learning path and curriculum; it also has a readout feature meaning I can listen to the textbooks being narrated.

Right now, I am using MindTap as part of my Strategic Innovation module. As I prepare for the client meetings, I have run through the MindTap assignment prep using a case study from Starbucks and Lululemon – I highly recommend it to others! We started this module in face to face lectures, having now moved remotely I have confidence I can still prepare and have support thanks to the digital learning tools, University team and my friends and cohort members who I have created such a special bond with.

Carl