Trusted Learner Network: Building The Foundation

The Trusted Learner Network Building the foundation Trusted Learner Network Framework TLN network connects people. Alt text: dot chart showing people connected in a network. 1. Explore, pilot and build a Trusted Learner Network (TLN) that gives agency to learners across their lifetime over the representation and use of their achievements, accomplishments and skills. TLN exchange logo. Alt text: A line art icon of connected dots. 2. Enable learners to exchange information across TLNs and to external networks securely, safely and with confidence to best express the representation of themselves to others in a digital world. TLN certificate logo. ALt text: A line art icon of a certificate and connected dots. 3. Connect parties interested in the TLN through the TLN Community and establish The CoLaboratory (CoLab), a cross-sector group of technologists, developers and thought leaders, to build innovative applications. What is the Trusted Learning Network? People need opportunities for formal instruction across their lifespan. The kinds of available education and training are expanding, and current methods of managing a diversity of learning interactions do not scale. We need a new approach. The Trusted Learner Network (TLN) describes a new, secure, and decentralized approach to recording, curating, and sharing learner data on abilities and skills across the learner’s lifespan. White paper: Trust Learner Network Building the foundation 12 Principles of the Trusted Learner Network Illustration of people holding a chain and a security icon. How we use technologies of trust The TLN is conceived of as a trust network. It is founded on existing trust relationships among network members, based not just on technology, cryptography and algorithms, but also on the lived experience of reciprocally honored out band interactions. The TLN leverages trust relationships as an asset, collaboratively engaging in network transactions using consensus algorithms that are driven by communal governance agreements. Horizons Technologies of trust ensure reliability, truth, confidence and strength in assertions and their relationships. Design around these concepts have been focused on the following horizon efforts. An illustration of two people reading their profiles on the Trusted Learner Network database. Selective Disclosure A core value of the TLN is giving the learner the ability to select elements from their learner record (the TLR) to verifiably share with others with the degree of personal disclosure they choose. Trusted Learner Record The metadata that describes both what the learner has accomplished and aspires to be able to do across a rich and long life are organized in the TLR. Digital identity Identity and Access Management is are central to the confidence in and adoption of the TLN to ensure achievements associated with learning as well as the competencies and skills earned in social and workforce engagement are uniquely associated with the person who earned them. Applications - Reverse Transfer Reverse Transfer is a collaborative effort between community colleges and 4 yr. universities. Students transferring to a 4 yr. institution without completing their associate degree can, with approval of the community college, combine their 2 yr. and 4 yr. credits to receive an associate degree. Applications - Course Credit Exchange (CCE) Where institutions regularly allow courses taken at one institution to be submitted to a student’s ‘home’ institution, the TLN becomes the trusted substrate and the CCE app the mechanism for transferring the information and its value.