How can we ensure our programmes remain relevant to fast-evolving industry needs, in an era of rapid technological advancement?
At my institution, I believe we’ve found an effective answer, through the example of integrating industry-recognised certification schemes into our computer science programme.
This approach has not only served to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, but also empowered our students with tangible, job-ready skills.
The case for industry-aligned certification
Traditionally, universities have tended to emphasise teaching and learning around broad, foundational knowledge, but the IT sector changes far too quickly for such a traditional approach to keep pace.
By embedding certifications from globally recognised organisations, such as Google Skills Boost, AWS Academy and IBM Skills Build for Academia into our courses, we offer students the dual advantage of theoretical grounding and hands-on experience, with the latest industry tools and technologies.
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This ensures our graduates are not just good learners, but leading contributors who are ready and able to meet the specific demands of employers.
For instance, in collaboration with Google Skills Boost, we introduced a certification pathway involving 40 students in its initial cohort.
While the project faced some logistical challenges, including lower-than-expected engagement from Google Skills Boost’s support team, its impact on participating students was profound.
Most importantly, the success stories of that first group sparked enthusiasm among their peers. Within a year, enrolment in these certification programmes has grown to 250 students — a testament to the programme’s resonance with our academic community.
Inclusion and flexibility in curriculum design
In today’s world, a one-size-fits-all approach to education simply doesn’t work, especially in a field as dynamic as computer science.
We emphasise inclusion and flexibility in curriculum design. Rather than confining students to a static list of programming languages or tools, we expose them to a variety of technologies — C, Python, Java, PostgreSQL and more — while encouraging their exploration beyond the classroom.
By incorporating certifications into coursework, professors can guide students towards industry-standard resources, without needing to delve into every detail themselves.
Students, in turn, gain autonomy and ownership of their learning, which cultivates both confidence and competence.
Additionally, we’re embedding certifications as assessable components of courses. This structure shifts the focus from abstract theory to applicable skills. Certifications also motivate students to learn at their own pace and seek genuine mastery, as their goals centre on proficiency rather than just a passing grade.
Energising the learning experience
Workshops and competitions have proven invaluable in deepening students’ engagement with computer science.
Workshops serve as a bridge between classroom concepts and practical application. For example, recent events have introduced students to emerging technologies, helping them to move beyond simply scratching the surface of a concept.
Our three-way workshop approach works like this:
1. Peer labs
This involves computer science students mentoring their peers on building tools, like chatbots, as part of student orientation and administration support exercises.
This is proving to be a popular added-value benefit, and 30 per cent of workshops are now student-led. Delivery includes basic programming in Python, through to advanced skills, such as creating machine learning models.
2. Faculty-to-student
These workshops are designed to bridge any gaps between theory and practice. Our professors team up to co-teach students machine learning models.
3. Industry-to-student
A crucial element of our programmes includes external professionals hosting special technology sessions to demystify cloud tools for liberal arts students working across a range of disciplines, helping to prepare them for the real world
This exercise is significantly helping students reach out to employers and secure internships, as well as long-term jobs.
In addition, competitions, such as hackathons, have further amplified learning by simulating important industry challenges.
Collaborations with non-tech industries, like banks and healthcare organisations, have also allowed us to design problem-solving scenarios that encourage interdisciplinary thinking.
More widely, this process fosters innovation and also sharpens students’ abilities to work within the constraints and expectations of real-world clients, as noted by Hafssa Saraji, data science and AI student, who explains:
“Enrolling in online certificates like the IBM Skills Build for Academia, Google Skills Boost and Coursera provide has greatly enriched my understanding of data science and AI. These programmes provided hands-on experience and labs that complemented my coursework, deepening my knowledge in machine learning, big data and cloud computing. The practical skills gained have been invaluable in applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems.”
Ghita Nafa, another student, adds: “I recently enrolled in the Google Skills Boost on Advanced Data Analytics after beginning my specialisation in Big Data Analytics this semester. While the university’s courses provide a solid background in the field, I realised there’s only so much I can learn in a classroom.
“This certification has exposed me to other interesting aspects of my learning journey, and also helped me learn practical skills in SQL, Python, machine learning and real-world data analysis, skills I can apply in a professional setting.
“I believe certifications designed by industry experts can be very beneficial to sharpen students’ skills and get them familiar with industry standards.”
Rethinking academic assessment
One of the most critical changes in our approach is redefining how we assess student learning.
Traditional written exams are insufficient for measuring a student’s technical proficiency. Programming, for instance, is best assessed through hands-on tasks in real computing environments, not on paper.
Assessment methods must simulate professional conditions as closely as possible. Asking a student to write code by hand for an exam is similar to teaching a painter theoretical brush strokes without providing a canvas.
We’re moving towards a competency-based model, assessing not just what students know, but how effectively they can apply knowledge in a real-world context.
Lessons learned and recommendations for other universities
Reflecting on our experiences, I believe several lessons can help guide universities seeking to enhance industry relevance throughout their curriculum:
- Embed industry certifications in coursework
- Embrace flexibility and inclusion
- Prioritise workshops and competitions
- Revamp assessment strategies
- Engage students through storytelling and community
Partner with relevant organisations like Google Skills Boost or AWS whenever possible to integrate certification pathways directly into academic programmes. This approach allows students to gain industry-standard skills alongside their degrees, making them more competitive in the jobs market.
Design curricula that accommodates diverse technologies and learning styles. Provide students with opportunities to explore a range of tools and languages, enabling them to discover and pursue their strengths.
Organise hands-on events that expose students to new technologies and encourage them to collaborate and solve real-world problems. Collaborations with industry partners are particularly effective for simulating workplace scenarios.
Shift away from written exams as the sole metric of competence. Instead, evaluate students through projects, coding challenges and other practical tasks that mirror industry demands.
Success stories inspire action. When students see their peers excel in certification programs, they are far more likely to follow suit. Building a community around these initiatives fosters enthusiasm and sustained engagement.
The road ahead
Our work is far from finished, but the strides we’ve made in just a few semesters are highly promising.
By embracing industry partnerships and embedding certifications into our curriculum, we’ve quickly begun aligning academic learning with the demands of the global economy.
The results speak for themselves – increased student participation, higher motivation and a curriculum that stays relevant even as technologies change.
As educators, the responsibility is on us to adapt, innovate and remain open to new ways of teaching. The integration of industry certification into academia is not just a trend — it’s a necessity.
By adopting a flexible, inclusive and industry-relevant approach, universities are able to equip their students not only with degrees, but also with the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Amine Abouaomar is an assistant professor of computer science at Al Akhawayn University.
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