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Experiential Learning: The Key to Higher Education’s Future

In the constantly evolving landscape of higher education, institutions face a pressing challenge: How do we equip students not just with knowledge, but with skills that stick, evolve, and empower them to thrive in the workplace? Traditional methods, based heavily on theory and lecture, are no longer sufficient. The missing piece in many cases? Experiential learning.

Experiential learning isn’t just a trendy phrase; it’s a crucial, science-backed approach to human development. It bridges the gap between knowing and doing, ensuring that students don’t just walk away with theoretical knowledge but with the ability to apply what they’ve learned in the real world. The future of higher education depends on embracing this model.

Learning by Doing: The Heart of Transformation

To put it simply, experiential learning works because it combines two key elements: learning and doing. It’s not enough to hear about leadership principles in a classroom, for instance, if you’ve never had a chance to lead. Experience solidifies concepts in a way theory alone cannot.

Imagine a student learning about project management. They might absorb the methodologies, memorize the phases, and even ace the exam. But until they’ve run a project—set deadlines, navigated team dynamics, and adjusted to unforeseen challenges—none of that knowledge will be fully internalized. Experiential learning drives students out of the theoretical and into practical application, allowing them to solidify their skills in the context of real-world challenges.

The Power of Micro-Learning Moments

But let’s go a step further. If we want experiential learning to be truly impactful, it needs to happen in small, digestible, and continuous bursts. Studies show that people forget about 70% of what they learn within a week and 90% within a month. Yet, when learning is broken down into smaller parts—where learners practice a concept, reflect, and get immediate feedback—it sticks.

Take language acquisition, for instance. A student might attend a semester’s worth of Spanish classes but struggle to string together a conversation afterward. However, by immersing themselves in brief, regular conversations with native speakers, they not only retain what they’ve learned but also improve incrementally. This principle can be applied across disciplines. Students absorb and retain far more when they engage with the material regularly and in real-world contexts.

Not a Replacement, but a Supplement to Traditional Learning

Does this mean long-form, traditional learning should be discarded? Not at all. Lectures, seminars, and workshops still have value, particularly in creating awareness and sparking a desire for change. There’s a reason a captivating keynote or a well-structured workshop can leave you motivated and brimming with ideas. But awareness alone doesn’t lead to mastery.

Think of it this way: a student might attend an inspiring lecture on leadership, but without opportunities to lead, reflect, and iterate on their approach, that spark of motivation fades. Longer-form learning creates the foundation, but it’s in the doing—and the repetition of doing—where knowledge becomes capability.

Higher Education Needs to Adapt

The world isn’t slowing down, and neither should the way we approach education. As the workforce becomes more dynamic, adaptable, and skills-based, so must higher education. Employers are no longer looking solely at degrees—they want to see that students can think critically, solve problems, and adapt to real-world challenges. Experiential learning offers a direct path to cultivating those attributes.

By embedding practice-based learning throughout the academic journey, higher education institutions can prepare students not just for their first job but for a lifetime of adaptability and growth. It’s time to make learning personal, practical, and, most importantly, actionable.

Experiential learning isn’t just a complement to traditional education—it’s the future. If higher education is to remain relevant and valuable in the 21st century, it must fully embrace the power of learning by doing.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is in advanced discussions to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz in a landmark deal valued at approximately $30 billion. If completed, this would mark Alphabet’s largest acquisition to date, signaling a major push into the cybersecurity space and strengthening its cloud security capabilities.

Strategic Move to Enhance Cybersecurity Offerings

With increasing cyber threats targeting businesses worldwide, Alphabet’s potential acquisition of Wiz aligns with its strategy to fortify Google Cloud’s security infrastructure. Wiz, known for its cutting-edge cloud security solutions, has rapidly emerged as a leader in the industry by providing proactive threat detection and risk management tools for enterprises.

By integrating Wiz’s expertise and technology, Alphabet aims to enhance its security offerings across its cloud ecosystem, making Google Cloud more competitive against rivals like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. The acquisition would also complement Alphabet’s existing cybersecurity initiatives, further reinforcing trust among enterprise customers.

A Record-Breaking Acquisition

At an estimated $30 billion, this would be Alphabet’s largest-ever acquisition, surpassing its 2012 purchase of Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. The deal highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in cloud computing and signals Alphabet’s commitment to expanding its influence in this critical sector.

Industry and Market Implications

The acquisition could reshape the cybersecurity landscape, positioning Google Cloud as a more formidable player in enterprise security. As businesses continue migrating to cloud-based infrastructure, demand for advanced security solutions is rising. By acquiring Wiz, Alphabet would gain a competitive edge in safeguarding cloud environments from evolving cyber threats.

Furthermore, this move reflects broader trends in the tech industry, where major cloud providers are investing heavily in cybersecurity to differentiate their services. If the deal moves forward, it could trigger increased consolidation within the cybersecurity sector, prompting other tech giants to pursue similar acquisitions.

Looking Ahead

While negotiations are ongoing, Alphabet’s potential acquisition of Wiz underscores its long-term vision for a more secure cloud ecosystem. As cybersecurity remains a top priority for enterprises, this strategic investment could solidify Alphabet’s role as a key player in the future of cloud security.

The FCC has released a notice of proposed rulemaking designed to enhance cybersecurity within the US telecom sector, following a constant threat from foreign hackers, including the Chinese-linked group Salt Typhoon, which has breached major telecom providers in recent years.

The proposal will implement rigorous security measures by the service providers to prevent unauthorized access, securing the communications. Each year, providers will provide a certification to the FCC for following these enhanced security guidelines for cybersecurity.

Greater Dangers to Telecom NetworksThis makes the proposal all the more urgent, as recent reports detail how US telecom networks continue to suffer from cyberattacks. A state-sponsored hacking group known as Salt Typhoon reportedly breached at least eight telecom providers, some of the attacks dating one to two years. The breaches have raised alarm about the potential compromise of sensitive information, though officials maintain that classified communications remain unaffected.

As recently pointed out by Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger, it is tough to address these breaches. "We cannot say with certainty that the adversary has been evicted because we still don't know the scope of what they're doing," she said during a press briefing.

Legislative and Security ConcernsThe breaches have also galvanized lawmakers into action. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) have called for an investigation into the Department of Defense's failure to secure its unclassified telephone communications against foreign espionage. Their concerns mark the wider vulnerabilities in US communication infrastructure and a need for immediate reforms.

FCC's Call for AccountabilityFCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel underscored the need to enforce the proposed rule: "While the Commission's counterparts in the intelligence community are determining the scope and impact of the Salt Typhoon attack, we need to put in place a modern framework to help companies secure their networks and better prevent and respond to cyberattacks in the future," she said.

If adopted, the rule would make the telecom companies responsible for protecting their networks against increasingly sophisticated threats. The FCC is seeking to ensure that providers remain vigilant in maintaining strong cybersecurity defenses through annual certifications.

Recommendations for ConsumersWith these events unfolding, policymakers are now encouraging Americans to switch to encrypted apps when making calls or sending messages to better safeguard their personal communications. This shows the increasing ways in which individuals must implement precautions during these times when cyber threats have increased.

A Step Towards a Secure FutureThe proposal from the FCC is a step towards fixing some of the very fundamental vulnerabilities within the nation's telecommunication infrastructure. This decision puts accountability and proactive security policies at the heart of its strategy to limit threats from foreign hackers and ensure better cybersecurity practices for years to come.

If adopted, the rule would be a turning point in the battle against cyber threats, with the intention of keeping US telecom networks resilient against changing challenges.

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is making waves in the artificial intelligence industry, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to established players like OpenAI. With its AI model surpassing ChatGPT in U.S. App Store downloads, DeepSeek’s rapid ascent is attracting both investor interest and regulatory scrutiny.

A Cost-Effective AI Disruptor

DeepSeek’s flagship model, DeepSeek-R1, has redefined AI efficiency by delivering high performance at a fraction of traditional development costs. While competitors like OpenAI have spent over $100 million on large-scale AI models, DeepSeek has reportedly built its system with just $6 million, making it a compelling option for businesses looking to integrate AI without heavy infrastructure investments.

Its ability to function with minimal computational power gives it a competitive edge in emerging markets, where access to high-performance hardware is often restricted due to economic and geopolitical factors. This cost advantage positions DeepSeek as a potential disruptor in sectors ranging from customer service to data analytics.

Legal and Competitive Challenges

Despite its rapid growth, DeepSeek is facing increasing pressure over intellectual property concerns. OpenAI has accused the company of developing its model using unauthorized proprietary data, with Microsoft reportedly investigating potential evidence of data extraction.

The legal battle could have significant business implications, potentially affecting DeepSeek’s partnerships, funding, and global expansion plans. If OpenAI’s claims hold, DeepSeek could face lawsuits that impact investor confidence and lead to tighter regulatory scrutiny on AI startups operating across borders.

Regulatory Roadblocks and Market Uncertainty

Governments are also taking a closer look at DeepSeek’s operations. Australia is among the first to assess national security risks tied to its AI deployment, with officials concerned about data privacy and cybersecurity threats. If restrictions are imposed, it could create barriers to international market entry, forcing DeepSeek to rethink its global strategy.

For businesses considering AI adoption, DeepSeek’s rise underscores a growing dilemma: invest in lower-cost, high-efficiency models with regulatory risks or stick with established Western alternatives at a premium price.

The Future of DeepSeek and the AI Industry

DeepSeek’s trajectory will depend on its ability to navigate legal challenges, build trust with regulators, and scale responsibly. If it can overcome these obstacles, it could emerge as a dominant force in AI, particularly in cost-sensitive markets. However, if legal and regulatory pressures mount, its disruptive potential could be curtailed before it fully realizes its ambitions.

As the AI sector becomes increasingly competitive, DeepSeek’s story highlights the broader shifts in AI economics, intellectual property battles, and the strategic decisions businesses must make when integrating next-gen AI solutions.