Richard Branson and global charity Made By Dyslexia announced that they have joined forces to launch a free online university called ‘DyslexicU,’ which teaches the world how dyslexics think.
The pioneering and innovative online course, created in collaboration with The Open University and available worldwide, was created in response to new era-defining research by the charity and the world’s largest recruiter, Randstad Enterprise. It finds that the intelligence the world needs now is changing, and the skills inherent to dyslexics are the most sought-after in every sector globally.
Made By Dyslexia’s ‘Intelligence 5.0’ report concluded that today’s AI-driven world needs a new kind of intelligence focused on human skills such as complex problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, communication, and creative thinking. These are skills dyslexics naturally possess but aren’t measured by traditional education and workplace tests, which instead focus on dyslexic challenges.
DyslexicU’s radical call for ‘a new school of thought was emphasized through research commissioned by YouGov for the Intelligence 5.0 report. Of the 5,000 people surveyed across the USA, UK, India and Australia:
— 73% of respondents considered complex problem solving to be the best measure of intelligence.
— Being creative and imaginative follows with 60%, and “having good people and communication skills” with 59%.
— Only 6% believe the current approach of standardized exams and psychometric tests are the best indicator of intelligence today.
— It’s time for a radical overhaul of the outdated systems designed to teach and measure intelligence.
Presented by Dyslexic Thinking expert Kate Griggs, the inspirational short video courses feature successful experts and dyslexics from various fields. These notable ‘lecturers’ reveal the power of Dyslexic Thinking, talking about how their Dyslexic Thinking has fuelled innovation and success and the lessons we can gain from their experiences. Importantly, DyslexicU is free to access worldwide and open to anyone through The Open University. Those who complete the courses in DyslexicU can add the University of Dyslexic Thinking to their LinkedIn education.
Contributing dyslexics include Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, Dash Water founder Alex Wright, Shark Tank USA star Barbara Corcoran, Trunki founder Rob Law, Virgin Unite founding CEO Jean Oelwang, Activist Erin Brockovich, Lonnie Ali (sharing lessons from her late dyslexic husband, Muhammad), and Activist Princess Sarah Zeid, among many others.
Richard Branson and Kate Griggs officially launched DyslexicU in New York recently during the UN General Assembly, along with a distinguished panel of guest speakers that included Changemaker & Ambassador Princess Beatrice, Chief Executive of Randstad Enterprise Michael Smith, Director for Education and Skills OECD Andreas Schleicher and Space Scientist and Ambassador Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
KEY QUOTES:
“I’m proud that Dyslexic Thinking has made Virgin the disruptive brand that it is today. Thinking differently has always been an asset, but in this new world, it’s essential. We need more innovators, problem-solvers, storytellers and unconventional thinking. I’m delighted to join forces with Made By Dyslexia to launch DyslexicU which is free to access from all around the world.”
- Richard Branson, while speaking at the DyslexicU launch event
“AI has fundamentally changed the type of human intelligence that is critical for success, making the human skills of problem solving, innovation, lateral thinking and interpersonal skills the most sought-after skills in every job, in every sector, worldwide. And these are all Dyslexic Thinking skills.”
- Kate Griggs, Founder of Made By Dyslexia
