Project Based Learning

How Can International Education Navigate Change Through AI, Experiential Learning, and Collaboration?

October 13, 2025 Experiential Learning, Project Based LearningLeave a comment

Introduction: Change Has Become the Classroom

Across every university, campus and screen, one idea has settled in — change isn’t something we prepare students for anymore; it’s the environment they learn in. This year’s AIEC 2025 theme, Navigating Change, calls educators, employers, and policymakers to turn uncertainty into an advantage. It asks how our sector can build resilience, embrace disruption, and design inclusive, equitable and sustainable pathways for the future. At Practera, this question sits at the core of everything we do. From the award-winning Study Australia Industry Experience Program (SAIEP) to university-led initiatives like EdgeX, our programs are built to help students learn by doing, educators teach through data, and partners collaborate across borders.

Why “Navigating Change” Matters Now

International education is no longer a linear journey. Political shifts, digital transformation, and changing student expectations have created a world where adaptation isn’t optional — it’s the measure of relevance. Educators everywhere are asking the same thing: How do we prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist, using technologies we’re still learning to master? The answer lies in three forces that now define modern learning: Artificial Intelligence, Experiential Learning, and Collaboration. Together, they don’t just respond to change, they help us navigate it.

AI: From Disruption to Direction

AI as Ally, Not Adversary

AI has shifted from being a curiosity to a cornerstone. Used well, it amplifies human judgement, giving educators new tools to personalise learning, track progress, and scale mentoring.

Within Practera’s platform, AI acts as a quiet partner — analysing reflections, surfacing growth patterns, and recommending feedback aligned with employability frameworks.It saves time without losing the human voice.

Ethical AI and Equity

Navigating AI responsibly means focusing on transparency, fairness, and inclusion.Practera’s design philosophy follows three principles:
  1. Explainability – every AI insight can be understood by educators and learners.
  2. Equity – algorithms are trained on diverse data sets to avoid bias.
  3. Empathy – technology should strengthen mentorship, not replace it.
By embedding these principles, institutions gain what the AIEC 2025 theme calls “resilience through shared understanding.”

Experiential Learning: The Bridge Between Knowing and Doing

Learning by Doing — Wherever You Are

Experiential learning connects classroom theory to real-world practice. Through programs like SAIEP, international students collaborate with Australian businesses to solve live challenges — from digital marketing to sustainability audits — all facilitated online through Practera’s platform. This model turns geographical boundaries into learning opportunities. It builds capability, confidence, and connection — the three currencies of employability in a changing world.

Why It Works for Educators

Educators gain data-driven visibility into student development:
  • Live dashboards mapping growth in teamwork, problem-solving and communication.
  • Reflection analytics identifying where learning is deepening or stalling.
  • Outcome evidence for accreditation and employer reporting.
Experiential learning doesn’t replace academic study — it completes it.

Collaboration: The Compass That Guides Change

Partnership as Practice

In an era of uncertainty, collaboration has become the new stability. No single institution can meet every learner’s need or predict every shift in technology. The most agile universities are those that co-create solutions with partners.Practera’s programs sit exactly at that intersection:
  • Universities embed authentic projects within courses.
  • Employers gain insights and access to emerging talent.
  • Students gain experience, mentorship, and confidence.
It’s a loop of mutual learning — and it keeps evolving.

EdgeX: Scaling Collaboration at Home

At the University of Sydney, EdgeX has become a model for how domestic and international students collaborate virtually on projects with real clients. The result is a scalable framework that fosters inclusion, cross-cultural communication, and professional growth — proof that collaboration can thrive even without physical borders.

Inclusion, Equity and Sustainability: The Three Anchors

AIEC 2025 calls on our community to build an international education system that’s inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and empowered to navigate change.Practera’s ecosystem directly contributes to each pillar:
  • Inclusive: Virtual access opens global experience to students regardless of location or circumstance.
  • Equitable: Every learner participates in authentic projects, not just those who can travel.
  • Sustainable: Digital delivery reduces environmental footprint while expanding global reach.
The goal isn’t simply to adapt — it’s to make adaptation fair.

The A.I.D. Framework: A Roadmap for AI and Experiential Learning

To help institutions integrate AI ethically and effectively, Practera applies the A.I.D. Framework — three stages that mirror the sector’s transformation.

This framework gives educators a way to pilot AI safely while preserving human agency — turning curiosity into capability.

Case Study: The Study Australia Industry Experience Program (SAIEP)

When Practera partnered with Study Australia and the Australian Government to launch SAIEP, the vision was simple: to give international students real Australian workplace experience — wherever they were in the world.Impact Highlights
SAIEP’s success led to its recognition at AIEC 2022 for national innovation — proof that change, when guided by collaboration, can lead to impact measured in human growth, not just metrics.

Practical Steps for Educators and Institutions

For those asking “Where do we start?”, here’s a roadmap drawn from Practera’s partner experience.
  1. Start Small — Think Scalable
  2.  Pilot one authentic project before embedding a full WIL program.
  3. Design for Reflection
  4.  Build structured reflection prompts into every experience; it’s where learning consolidates.
  5. Let AI Inform, Not Instruct
  6.  Use data to guide mentoring and course improvement, not replace educator intuition.
  7. Co-Create with Industry Early
  8.  Joint design yields more relevant and sustainable experiences.
  9. Measure What Matters
  10.  Focus on skill growth, student confidence, and partner engagement over attendance or hours logged.

The Road Ahead: From Adaptation to Anticipation

The next phase of international education won’t be defined by who adapts fastest, but by who anticipates best. AI will continue to reshape how we design, deliver, and evaluate learning. Students will expect integrated, personalised experiences that connect study to real outcomes. Institutions that weave AI + Experiential Learning + Collaboration into their DNA will lead this transformation — not by resisting change, but by learning through it.As the AIEC 2025 community gathers in Canberra, that’s the shared mission: to build a future where global education is resilient, inclusive, and human-centred.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the AIEC 2025 theme? The Australian International Education Conference 2025 focuses on navigating change — exploring how educators and organisations can build resilience, inclusion, and sustainable innovation in times of uncertainty. 2. How is AI transforming international education? AI supports educators by analysing reflection data, matching students to projects, and providing actionable insights — improving scale and personalisation without removing the human element. 3. What makes experiential learning effective for international students? It connects theory with practice, allowing learners to apply knowledge in authentic settings, collaborate globally, and develop employability skills valued by employers worldwide. 4. What is Practera’s role in this transformation? Practera partners with universities, governments, and employers to deliver scalable, technology-enabled experiential learning programs such as SAIEP and EdgeX, aligning education with real-world outcomes. 5. How can institutions get started? Begin with small, structured pilot projects, integrate reflective practice, and use AI-assisted insights to refine delivery. Practera provides frameworks, platforms, and support to help institutions build these capabilities.

Conclusion: Navigating Change Together

Change is no longer a disruption to international education — it’s the ecosystem it grows in.What matters now is how we move through it: together, intentionally, and with curiosity. Practera’s mission remains simple — to empower educators, students, and partners to navigate change with confidence through AI-enabled, experiential, and collaborative learning.Whether you’re joining us at AIEC 2025 in Canberra or exploring these ideas from afar, we invite you to connect, collaborate, and help co-create the next chapter of international education.Learn more at practera.com.

How Can Private Higher Education Providers Deliver Affordable, Scalable Work-Integrated Learning?

October 9, 2025 Experiential Learning, Practera Learning, Project Based LearningLeave a comment

Introduction: The Affordability and Employability Challenge

If you run a private higher education program, you feel the same heat universities do: employers expect job‑ready graduates, students want the “real world” built into their course, and budgets aren’t getting friendlier. The big question is simple: how do you deliver authentic, industry‑connected learning that employers respect without blowing the budget or your team’s bandwidth?

This article walks through practical ways private colleges can design and deliver affordable, scalable WIL programs. We’ll look at what national and global programs like SAIEP and WACE achieved, and how institutions use Practera to give students real industry experience for under $200 per learner, lifting employability and student satisfaction along the way.

 

Step 1: Redefine What “Work-Integrated Learning” Means

For years, WIL meant long placements, on‑site internships, and coordination marathons. Valuable, yes but heavy. In today’s hybrid world, authentic industry experience doesn’t have to mean a physical placement or a mountain of emails.

What modern WIL looks like:

  • Short virtual industry projects (2–6 weeks). Real brief, real client, tight scope.
  • Micro‑consulting challenges designed with actual employers.
  • Mentored capstone assignments tied directly to your subject outcomes.
  • These aren’t simulations. Students deliver work to real clients through digital collaboration, practicing the communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving employers keep asking for.

How Practera supports this model:

  • Connects colleges with pre‑vetted employers via a global network.
  • Provides templated project briefs mapped to employability skills.
  • Hosts delivery, mentoring, and AI‑enabled reflection in one place.
  • The shift matters for smaller providers. You can offer high‑impact WIL without the old financial and administrative burden — and you can do it with the team you have now.

A quick story: A marketing cohort at a private college partnered with a regional tourism operator. Over four weeks, students tested three messages for winter visitors. One went live on the client’s socials. The student who led the copy test added the link to her portfolio and referenced it in interviews. That’s real‑world learning, minus the scramble for placements.

Step 2: Do More with Less — The New Economics of WIL

Private providers are resourceful by nature. You stretch budgets and time already. The traditional model of faculty‑led placement management just doesn’t scale.

Side‑by‑side, here’s the picture:

The digital model lowers costs by standardising what used to be bespoke: project templates, clear milestones, centralised communication, and AI‑supported reflection. Less chasing, more learning. And because the unit cost drops, you can extend WIL to whole cohorts — not just a lucky handful.

Step 3: Use a Proven, Affordable WIL Model

Case Study: SAIEP (Study Australia Industry Experience Program)

Austrade launched SAIEP with Practera to make authentic WIL accessible and affordable to thousands of international students nationwide. The brief was ambitious; the delivery stayed simple.

Scale and impact:

  • 6,700+ students from 86 institutions across Australia
  • 953 industry partners engaged globally
  • Real consulting projects delivered fully online
  • 87% of students improved employability skills
  • 85% of final reports rated high or outstanding by clients

What this showed: smaller providers can deliver world‑class employability programs by plugging into a digital WIL ecosystem. You don’t need massive funding or a large employer team — you need a clear structure and a platform built for it.

Case Study: WACE Global Challenge

Practera also partnered with the World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE) to deliver the WACE Global Challenge, an online international industry project connecting students from 40 universities with global employers.

Results:

  • 676 students from 40 institutions worldwide
  • 85% completion rate and 83% reported employability skill growth
  • Delivered fully online at a fraction of traditional mobility costs

One Program Director summed it up: students collaborated across countries, solved real problems, and gained international employability, without leaving home.

Together, these programs prove the point: Practera’s model delivers authentic, employer‑verified outcomes affordably at national and institutional scales.

Step 4: Embed Practera into Your Program Without Overheads

A common worry: “New platform = more work.” In practice, Practera simplifies the workflow and frees up faculty time.

What’s included end to end:

  • Employer sourcing: access to verified employers and industry briefs.
  • AI‑enabled reflection and assessment: reduces marking and admin by up to 60%.
  • Built‑in feedback loops: employers and students interact in one place.
  • Analytics dashboards: track employability skills, engagement, and satisfaction in real time.
  • You can start small, as few as 20 learners and scale once the model is proven. The work shifts from logistics to coaching, which is where educators add the most value.

What this feels like week to week:

  • Clear milestones and deliverables replace back‑and‑forth emails.
  • Automated nudges keep teams moving.
  • Consistent rubrics cut debate and speed up decisions.
  • A single workspace keeps everyone aligned, including clients.

Step 5: Prove ROI — From Employability to Enrolments

Graduate outcomes drive reputation and recruitment. Affordable WIL is one of the most direct levers you have.

Across Practera programs, providers report:

  1. 80–90% of students feel stronger career confidence.
  2. Employers rate student projects as directly valuable to their organisation.
  3. Students leave with portfolio‑ready work they can show in interviews.
  4. Colleges build a reputation for practical, industry‑connected education.

One Academic Program Leader put it plainly: “Students come back to us saying their Practera project was the highlight of their course. It’s tangible, it’s real, and it gets them noticed.”

That combination: quantifiable skills growth plus credible artifacts, helps private colleges compete with larger institutions while keeping programs affordable.

Step 6: Blueprint to Launch an Affordable WIL Program

Here’s a straightforward way to get moving without overcomplicating it.

A quick tip from teams who’ve done this: scope the work tightly. Two to three meaningful deliverables beat a sprawling wishlist.

Step 7: Frequently Asked Questions (Educators & Academic Directors)

Q1: What’s the minimum number of students to start?

A: Pilots can launch with as few as 20 students, and can scale to 200+ once you’re confident in the model.

Q2: How quickly can a program be launched?

A: Typically 4–6 weeks from sign‑off to delivery, including employer matching and onboarding.

Q3: Do I need existing employer connections?

A: No. Practera provides access to a global network of employers and verified project briefs. You can also bring your own partners if you have them.

Q4: How much academic oversight is needed?

A: Faculty input is intentionally light. Practera’s structured milestones, automated reflection, and AI‑feedback reduce marking and admin by up to 60%. Your time goes to coaching.

Q5: Can this be integrated into accredited courses?

A: Yes. Projects align well with assessment tasks, capstones, or employability modules and can be mapped to your course learning outcomes.

Q6: What industries are available for projects?

A: Business, marketing, finance, sustainability, health, and technology are common. Briefs range from market research to process improvement and product positioning.

Q7: How do we track employability outcomes?

A: Through Practera’s dashboards, aligned to 21st‑century skills. You’ll see engagement, milestone completion, feedback patterns, and skills development.

Q8: What support is available for educators?

A: Onboarding, project templates, delivery guides, and educator training. Most teams feel comfortable after one run.

Q9: Can projects run fully online?

A: Yes. Practera supports virtual and hybrid delivery. Many providers prefer fully online for flexibility and lower cost.

Q10: Do employers pay or participate voluntarily?

A: Employers participate voluntarily to access fresh ideas and talent pipelines. They also value the structured, time‑bounded scope.

Q11: Can we co‑brand the program?

A: Yes. Practera supports white‑labelled delivery so the program matches your institutional brand.

Q12: How do we report outcomes to TEQSA or similar bodies?

A: Use analytics exports showing skills, engagement, and satisfaction, plus examples of student work and short quotes.

Q13: What if a client goes quiet mid‑project?

A: Program managers can step in, and backup briefs are available. Structured check‑ins and reminders keep momentum.

Q14: How do we maintain quality at scale?

A: Standard rubrics, short mentor training, and light moderation. Review a sample of outputs each cycle to keep standards consistent.

Q15: What is the typical student workload?

A: For a 4–6 week project, plan 6–8 hours per week, including client time, team collaboration, deliverables, and reflection.

Q16: How do we ensure inclusion and access?

A: Online delivery reduces location barriers. Flexible meeting windows help students balancing work or caring responsibilities.

Q17: Can this support internationalisation at home?

A: Yes. Cross‑institution and cross‑country teams create global collaboration experiences without mobility costs.

Q18: How do we prepare students for client interaction?

A: A short etiquette guide, a meeting template, and a sample outreach script go a long way. A 30‑minute orientation helps set expectations.

Q19: What evidence do students take away?

A: A tangible deliverable (report, deck, prototype), client feedback, and a brief reflection they can reference in interviews.

Q20: What does success look like after one term?

A: Strong participation and completion, positive client ratings, visible skill growth, and a few student stories you can share with leadership and prospects.

Step 8: Educator’s Quick Action Checklist

Identify one suitable course or cohort for a pilot (20–30 students).

Define your academic and employability outcomes and map them to briefs.

Contact Practera to access templated project briefs and employer partners.

Launch your first affordable WIL pilot (under $200 per learner) for 4–6 weeks.

Use dashboards to measure engagement, skills, and satisfaction.

Collect quotes and examples of student work.

Share results internally and plan the next run.

Scale to additional programs once the model is validated.

Step 9: Conclusion — Affordable Impact Starts Here

You don’t have to choose between affordability and authenticity. With Practera, private providers can deliver meaningful, industry‑connected experiences at scale — without straining faculty capacity or budgets.

From the SAIEP national program to the WACE Global Challenge, the results are consistent: high skill growth, strong employer ratings, and credible student deliverables — delivered online at a fraction of traditional costs.

If you’re aiming to meet TEQSA benchmarks, lift graduate outcomes, or simply find a practical win you can launch this term, this model gives you a clear path forward. Start with one cohort. Learn. Then scale.

Practera helps private colleges do more with less and gives students the edge employers are looking for.

 

How to Design Authentic Industry Projects for Business School Students

September 9, 2025 Project Based LearningLeave a comment

Introduction: Closing the Theory, Practice Gap in Business Education

Business schools are powerhouses of knowledge, equipping students with strategy models, financial tools, and leadership frameworks. Yet, time and again, employers raise the same concern:

“Graduates are smart, but they’re not ready to tackle real-world business problems on day one.”

This theory–practice gap is one of the most pressing challenges in business education today. Students want authentic learning experiences that boost employability. Employers want graduates who can solve business challenges with confidence. Accreditation bodies (like AACSB and AMBA) want proof of innovation and impact.

The question isn’t whether business schools should embed real industry experience — it’s how to design projects that are authentic, scalable, affordable, and academically rigorous.

In this blog, we’ll share a five-step framework for designing authentic industry projects for business schools, illustrated with case studies from the UK and Australia. We’ll also show how Practera’s experiential learning platform and global employer network help overcome the most common barriers educators face.

Step 1: Define Clear Outcomes

The first step is clarity. Authentic projects can’t just be “work experience” — they must connect directly to academic and employability outcomes.

Types of outcomes to define:

  1. Academic: Does the project help students apply core theories (e.g., Porter’s Five Forces, financial modelling, consumer insights)?
  2. Employability: Which transferable skills should students demonstrate? (teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, client communication).
  3. Institutional/Accreditation: Does the project provide evidence of engagement, innovation, and measurable impact for rankings and audits?

Practera helps here by offering project templates mapped to the World Economic Forum’s 21st Century Skills Framework. This means business schools can align projects to both curriculum learning outcomes and employability skills without starting from scratch.

Step 2: Find the Right Industry Partners

This is the biggest barrier for most faculty: “Where do I find quality industry partners, and how do I brief them properly?”

Traditionally, schools rely on personal networks or alumni. But this limits scale and often results in inconsistent project quality.

Practera solves this challenge with its global employer network and quality-assured project briefs. Educators can select from ready-to-go challenges or invite employers into the platform with minimal overhead.

Case Study: King’s Business School (KBS), UK

KBS had a large international student body with strong academic results but low work experience. The school wanted to build confidence and employability quickly, without overburdening staff. With Practera, KBS launched the Global Industry Projects, connecting 300 students with 50 employers in two weeks. Practera sourced all clients and briefs, ensuring relevance and diversity.

Results:

  1. 87% learner program rating
  2. 89% client rating
  3. 94% completion
  4. 25% boost in career readiness in just two weeks

“Our students welcomed the opportunity to work in diverse groups, tackling real-world briefs while receiving personalised feedback. Practera’s proactive management and data insights helped us measure the impact clearly.” – Markus Stretz, Work-Related Learning Manager, King’s Business School

Lesson: Industry partnerships are scalable when you have the right infrastructure.

Step 3: Structure Projects for Success

Authenticity doesn’t mean chaos. Business schools must strike a balance between real-world complexity and academic scaffolding.

Best practice structure:

  • Orientation & Briefing: Employer introduces challenge; students set expectations.
  • Team Formation: Diverse student teams of 4–6.
  • Milestones: Weekly deliverables (draft report, mid-point review, final report).
  • Feedback Loops: Iterative employer + AI feedback.
  • Final Presentation: Students present to employers in professional settings.

Case Study: London School of Economics (LSE), UK

During the pandemic, LSE Careers needed to offer meaningful work experience despite travel restrictions.

Using Practera, they launched the Virtual Summer Consultancy Projects — a 3-week programme where student teams acted as consultants for employers across sustainability, technology, and creative industries.

Results:

  1. 6 employers, 6 teams, 6 mentors.
  2. 100% of final reports graded Outstanding/High Quality.
  3. 96% client satisfaction.
  4. 89% student satisfaction

“These 3-week projects gave students a huge step forward in their careers. Practera’s global employer network and high professional standards allowed us to deliver engaging, work-based learning at scale.” – Lizzie Darlington, Director, LSE Careers

Lesson: With the right structure, even short projects can deliver outstanding outcomes.

Step 4: Scaffold Learning with Feedback & Reflection

Students don’t automatically learn from experience — they need guided reflection to connect tasks to theory.

Practera enables this by:

  1. Providing AI-enabled reflective prompts (e.g., “How did your team communication impact your analysis?”).
  2. Facilitating mentor check-ins.
  3. Tracking skill growth analytics for reporting.

Case Study: Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia

WSU partnered with Practera on the Western Sydney Industry Connect (WSIC) program: one week of training + five weeks of industry projects.

Key outcomes:

  1. 135 students across business, engineering, and IT.
  2. 14 industry clients (startups, SMEs, corporates)
  3. $2M+ in project value delivered.
  4. 93% completion rate, 92% willingness to recommend
  5. 91% of clients said student reports influenced business decisions

“The interns’ final report exceeded expectations. Their insights have already influenced our strategies and decision-making processes.” – Marketing Manager, Dynamic Aspect Partners

Lesson: Scaffolding reflection + employer feedback is what turns projects into measurable skill development experiences.

Step 5: Align Assessment with Academic Standards

Projects only stick when they’re embedded in the curriculum. That means aligning assessment with both academic and industry outcomes.

Best practices:

  1. Final reports/presentations graded by faculty.
  2. Employer evaluations contribute to marks.
  3. Reflective journals measure employability growth.

Practera supports this with analytics dashboards that map student performance to employability frameworks and accreditation requirements.

Beyond Business Schools: Proof at Scale

Authentic projects are not just a business school innovation — they’re proven across disciplines and borders.

  1. SAIEP (Study Australia Industry Experience Program, Australia): A national program that connected over 6,700 students with 953 industry partners. It demonstrated that large-scale, authentic projects can be delivered affordably, with 87% of students reporting improved employability skills and 85% of final reports rated high or outstanding.
  2. WACE Global Challenge (Worldwide): A global online mobility alternative run with the World Association of Cooperative Education. It involved 676 students from 40 institutions, achieved an 85% completion rate, and 83% of students reported improved employability skills. It showed that global experiences can be delivered virtually at a fraction of the cost of traditional mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I run projects if my school doesn’t have strong employer links?

A: Practera sources clients from its global employer network and provides templated briefs.

Q2: Can projects be credit-bearing?

A: Yes — projects can be embedded as coursework, capstones, or electives.

Q3: What’s the minimum cohort size?

A: Pilots work with as few as 20 learners.

Q4: Can projects run entirely online?

A: Yes — Practera supports hybrid and fully virtual models.

Q5: How do I prove impact to accreditors?

A: Practera dashboards track skill growth and employer satisfaction.

Q6: Can this work with international students?

A: Yes — Practera has delivered projects with 6,700+ international students across 70+ countries

Q7: How do I ensure employers get value?

A: Practera quality-assures briefs and mentors students to deliver actionable insights.

Q8: Can I run projects outside business schools?

A: Yes — Practera supports STEM, health, policy, and more.

Q9: How quickly can we launch?

A: Pilots can start in 4–6 weeks.

Q10: What skills do students actually gain?

A: Top gains: problem solving, teamwork, leadership, cultural awareness

Q11: Can projects run with global employers?

A: Yes — Practera has sourced 50+ clients across time zones for KBS

Q12: Is there evidence that students recommend this?

A: Yes — 92% of WSU students, 94% of KBS students, 87% of SAIEP students recommend

Still have questions? Book a call with our team.

Conclusion: Practera as your Partner

Authentic industry projects are no longer “nice-to-have” in business schools. They are essential to:

  1. Meet employer and student expectations.
  2. Deliver accreditation-ready innovation.
  3. Enhance employability outcomes at scale.

 .

Practera makes this possible with:

  • A global employer network and templated project briefs.
  • An AI-enabled platform for reflection, feedback, and reporting.
  • A track record of success with leading schools (KBS, LSE, WSU) and national programs (SAIEP, WACE).

Book a call with Practera to explore projects & programs for your business school

 

The Advantages of Virtual Internships for Educators and Students

May 9, 2023 Project Based LearningLeave a comment

Breaking Down Barriers to Top-Tier Jobs: The Inclusive Benefits of Virtual Internships & Online Industry Projects

In today’s ever-evolving job market, students need to gain real-world experience to stand out from the competition. However, traditional internships often come with barriers such as geographic limitations, lack of accessibility for those with disabilities, and financial constraints. Virtual internships offer a solution to these barriers by providing students with the opportunity to gain industry experience from the comfort of their own homes.

Virtual internships are online internships that provide students with the chance to work on a project for a company, organization, or individual. The projects are typically completed remotely, giving students the flexibility to work around their schedules. Virtual internships are becoming increasingly popular among educators as they provide an opportunity for students to develop employability skills while breaking down the barriers to traditional internships.

The Future of Student-Industry Projects: How Virtual Internships are Revolutionizing Experiential Learning

Virtual internships revolutionise experiential learning by allowing students to gain real-world experience in their chosen field.

They enable students to develop skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork, which are essential for success in the workplace.

In addition, virtual internships give students a chance to network with professionals in their field and gain valuable references for future job opportunities.

Virtual internships can also benefit educators by providing them with a new way to engage students in their learning. By incorporating virtual internships into their curriculum, educators can help students develop practical skills to prepare them for their future careers.

Virtual internships can also help educators expand their network by connecting them with industry professionals who can provide guidance and advice.

Why Every Educator Should Consider Virtual Internships for Their Students

Every educator should consider virtual internships as they provide students with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience while breaking down the barriers to traditional internships.

Educators can incorporate virtual internships into their curriculum by partnering with companies, organisations, or individuals who are willing to provide students with projects to work on. This partnership also provides educators with the chance to connect with industry professionals and expand their network.

Virtual internships are also an excellent way for educators to prepare their students for the future job market. The skills students develop during a virtual internship are transferable to any job, making them more employable in the long run. By providing students with the opportunity to gain practical skills, educators can help them stand out from the competition and increase their chances of securing a top-tier job.

Educators Enjoy free access to Practera’s Authentic Student Industry projects for your learners.

We currently have student vacancies across multiple project themes, including marketing, strategy, international business and sustainable impact. Educators are invited to enrol up to 12 students in this free industry pilot for a limited time.

From Classroom to Career: The Role of Virtual Internships in Building Employability Skills

Virtual internships play a crucial role in building employability skills that are essential for success in the workplace. These skills include communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving. By allowing students to work on real-world projects, virtual internships will enable them to develop these skills and apply them to their future careers.

Virtual internships also provide students with the opportunity to explore different career paths and gain a better understanding of their interests and strengths. Through these experiences, students can make informed decisions about their future career choices and gain the confidence they need to pursue their goals.

In conclusion, virtual internships offer a unique opportunity for educators to prepare their students for the future job market while breaking down the barriers to traditional internships. By incorporating virtual internships into their curriculum, educators can help students develop practical skills, expand their network, and increase their employability. As the job market continues to evolve, virtual internships will play an increasingly important role in preparing students for success in the workplace.

How can Practera Help You Launch a Successful Virtual Internship & Online Industry Projects at Scale and Low Cost?

Experiential learning is the key to building students’ employability. Yet, there isn’t a level playing field for students to access authentic industry experience and, therefore, top-tier jobs.

For 10 years, Practera has been partnering with >100 institutions & 1,000s employers to deliver award-winning student-industry projects. Online team-based industry projects offer substantial benefits, including:

  • Students apply skills/knowledge to industry scenarios– Employers gain value-add insights and access to graduate talent
  • Educators can offer inclusive work-based learning at lower cost, broader geographic reach and enhanced scalability

Practera’s industry experience programs make it easier than ever to connect your learners with organisations. Past learners of Practera’s programs have enjoyed benefits such as enhanced social and professional connections, deeper motivation, real industry experience that employers value, virtual and remote working skills and a strong resume.

The learners will also learn how to better present their skills, credentials, and experience in interview scenarios, seriously boosting their chances of landing their dream job after graduation!

students studying

 

How Student Team Research Solutions Can Help SMEs Thrive: Unlocking the Power of Collaborative Research

March 30, 2023 Project Based LearningLeave a comment

Benefits of Student Team Research Solutions for SMEs

As a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner, you understand the importance of research and development for the growth and success of your business. However, conducting research projects can be time-consuming and expensive and often requires specialized skills and expertise. That’s where student-team research solutions come in. That’s where student-team research solutions come in. By collaborating with student teams, you can access fresh perspectives and innovative ideas at a fraction of the cost.

Cost-Effective Research Expertise

Student team research solutions can be a cost-effective way to access research expertise. Universities often offer resources and support to the student team involved in research that can help reduce the project’s cost. Students are often willing to work for less than professional researchers. Additionally, universities often have access to the latest research technologies and methodologies, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. By working with student teams, you can gain access to these tools without investing in expensive equipment or hiring additional staff.

Fresh Perspectives and Ideas

When you work with student teams, you are tapping into a source of fresh perspectives and ideas. Students are often less constrained by conventional wisdom and can bring a unique perspective to your business. They may also deeply understand new technologies and trends that can help you stay ahead of the competition. This can be particularly valuable for SMEs who may not have the resources to invest in extensive market research.

Future Talent Pipeline

By working with student teams, you are building a relationship with potential future employees. You can identify talented individuals who may be a good fit for your business and offer them internships or job opportunities after they graduate. This can be a cost-effective way to recruit top talent and build a strong team for the future.

Increased Brand Awareness

Collaborating with student teams can also increase your brand awareness among the student community. By working with students, you demonstrate your commitment to supporting education and research, which can help build a positive reputation for your business. This can be particularly valuable for SMEs needing more resources to invest in extensive marketing and branding campaigns.

Power your business with student partnerships

Join our university student engagement programs that connect students with Australian and global businesses and organisations. Selected students form part of short consulting projects that help companies to solve some of their most pressing challenges at no financial cost.

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Now that you understand the benefits of student-team research solutions, you may wonder how to start. Here are some tips to help you get started:

    1. Identify the right university: Start by identifying universities with programs related to your industry or offering industry experience, project learning, and industry internships to their learners. Look for universities with a strong reputation in your field and offer resources and support for student research.
    2. Connect with student skills building, internship and industry experience providers: Once you have identified a university, connect with organisations and university partners running an industry experience and internship program. Explain your business needs and ask if they have any student teams that would be a good fit for your project.
    3. Develop a clear scope of work: Work with the career and student teams to develop a clear scope of work for the project. Clearly define the research questions you want to answer and your expected deliverables.
    4. Provide support and feedback: Throughout the project, provide support and feedback to the student team. Encourage them to ask questions and provide regular updates on their progress.
    5. Evaluate results: Once the project is complete, evaluate the results and determine how to use the insights gained to improve your business. Consider offering internships or job opportunities to talented team members.

How can Practera help your Student Team Research Solution needs

Practera specializes in providing innovative experiential learning programs for universities and businesses. We offer a range of programs designed to help students and professionals develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. One such program is the Industry Experience Program for university Students. The program allows SMEs to collaborate with student teams on research projects easily and free of cost.
Here’s how you can get easily started with Practera:
    1. Connect with Practera by visiting the Practera website here.
    2. Choose a “Project Type” from our list once on the website.
    3. Submit a project brief that takes 5-10 mins to complete.
    4. Practera assigns a team of students to undertake your project.
    5. You review students’ work and provide online feedback. This takes approximately 60min/week over 2-3 weeks.
    6. You receive a market research report with recommendations for your business needs. Once matched with a student team, you can use the Practera platform to manage your project. The platform provides tools for communication, collaboration, and tracking progress. You can also use Practera to give feedback to the student team and monitor their progress.

Once matched with a student team, you can use the Practera platform to manage your project. The platform provides tools for communication, collaboration, and tracking progress. You can also use Practera to give feedback to the student team and monitor their progress.

If you have a different project need than the one listed, the Practera team is always willing to help create a specific brief for your project. Connect with the team for a conversation!

 

Educators’ Guide to PBL

February 16, 2023 Project Based LearningLeave a comment

Project-based learning is a teaching method that is gaining popularity among educators across the world. This innovative approach to teaching involves creating real-life projects for students to work on, which are designed to challenge and engage them while also allowing them to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. As an educator, you play a critical role in shaping your students’ future, and project-based learning is a powerful tool to help you achieve this goal.

In this blog, we will explore why project-based learning is so important for educators and what steps you can take to incorporate this method into your teaching practice.

Why Project-based Learning is Important for Educators

  • Promotes Active Learning: Project-based learning is an active form of learning that requires students to engage with their surroundings and the world around them. This approach encourages students to take an active role in their own learning and to explore new ideas, which leads to a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the subject matter.
  • Develops Critical Thinking Skills: Project-based learning helps students to develop critical thinking skills, as they are required to analyse information, form hypotheses, and make informed decisions. This type of learning also teaches students how to solve problems, work in teams, and think creatively, which are all valuable skills for life.
  • Encourages Student Ownership: When students work on projects, they take ownership of their learning, which makes them more motivated and engaged. This sense of ownership leads to greater student satisfaction and a more positive learning experience.
  • Promotes Real-world Connections: Project-based learning is designed to help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world. This connection allows students to see the relevance of their education and understand the practical applications of the knowledge they are acquiring.

Steps to Incorporating Project-based Learning into Your Teaching Practice

  • Identify the Goals and Objectives: Before starting a project-based learning unit, you must identify the goals and objectives you want your students to achieve. This will help you create relevant and meaningful projects for your students.
  • Create Authentic Projects: Projects based on real-world scenarios or problems will help students connect their learning to the world around them. This type of project will also challenge students to think critically and creatively.
  • Encourage Student Collaboration: Project-based learning is often more effective when students work in teams. Encouraging student collaboration can help students to develop critical social and emotional skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
  • Assess the Outcome: Assessing the project’s outcome is essential in project-based learning. This will help you to determine whether students have met the goals and objectives you set and whether they have learned what you wanted them to learn.

Conclusion

Project-based learning is an innovative and effective teaching method that has the power to transform the way students learn. As an educator, incorporating this method into your teaching practice can help you to create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience for your students. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out, the benefits of project-based learning are too great to ignore.

Gain Experience & Skills Employers Are Recruiting For Today!

Enrol for free in Practera’s government-backed live programs to build your employability skills  

How Practera can help?

Practera is a Project Learning Technology enabled organisation that can connect learners with real-world learning opportunities, internships, work placements, and industry experience programs.

Enrolling in one of these programs will allow learners to gain in-demand skills employers are recruiting for and provide them with actual talking points for their CV/next job applications, participating & learning as a student consultant to solve various real-world business challenges from driving technological innovation, creating new funding opportunities, finding new market expansion pathways to encouraging sustainability. 

If you’re a student, check out our government-backed student programs to sign up for free and kick-start your career.

If you’re an educator looking to boost your student’s chances of success or increase student engagement, you can try our industry experience program for free,  contact the Practera team or download our white paper to learn more about project-based learning programs.

Download the ‘Effective  Experiential Learning  Whitepaper’

Download our white paper now

 

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