Kate Griggs, Founder of Made By Dyslexia, and Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.
The businessman Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, has partnered with charity Made By Dyslexia to launch University of Dyslexic Thinking, or DyslexicUan online school for people with dyslexic thinking. In collaboration with the distance training company The Open University, will offer free online courses in various skills.
For years Branson, who lives with dyslexia, has defended that dyslexic thinking It has inherent skills that are crucial for 21st century work. such as creativity, problem solving or leadership. This was also argued in the initiative promoted together with LinkedIn to include dyslexic thinking in the platform’s list of skills.
“Today’s world, driven by artificial intelligence, needs a new type of intelligence focused on human abilities, such as complex problem solving, adaptability, resilience, communication and creative thinking.”; the businessman has pointed out in his blog.
However, Branson believes that these skills cannot be measured with traditional educational and employment tests. Considers that these are obsolete systems and that the way intelligence is taught and measured needs a rethink. “It’s time for a new school of thought”, he maintains.
However, as Branson has announced, DyslexicU will offer courses for anyoneat any stage of life; Whether you are a person with dyslexia looking to learn more about your skills and apply them to different industries; or a person without dyslexia who is curious to understand how this type of thinking works.
At the moment DyslexicU has been launched with two courses: “Entrepreneurs and startup mentality”, created in collaboration with Virgin StartUp; and “Creators of change and activism”, created in collaboration with Virgin Unite. They address topics and skills such as storytelling, sports, fashion or music.
Richard Branson has indicated that more courses will be added at the end of the year.
These courses on dyslexic thinking have the participation of some popular figures with dyslexia, They explain their experiences and how this type of thinking has helped them in innovation and success. Thus, you can find Richard Branson himself, Erin Brockovich, environmental activist; or Maggie Aderin Pocock, scientist and educator.
More info.: DyslexicU