What does it really take to build learner journeys that feel connected, intentional, and scalable?

At InstructureCon 2025, we hosted a session that looked at this question from three angles: helping students take ownership of their learning, capturing the right feedback at the right time, and extending the learner journey beyond graduation. The goal: creating experiences that are intentional, scalable, and built to last.

Here’s a quick recap of the session highlights and key takeaways.

Pillar 1: Centralizing Skill Development

Today’s learners expect more than just a degree. They’re looking for transferable skills, real-world readiness, and evidence of their growth. But most institutions still design programs around courses and credits, not around competencies.

We looked at how Fontys University of Applied Sciences is using Portflow to help over 44,000 students reflect, plan, and showcase their learning. With reflection and feedback integrated into the process, students are developing stronger ownership, more confidence, and clarity around their progress.

Pillar 2: Closing the feedback loop

Many institutions still rely on end-of-course evaluations but by the time feedback comes in, it’s often too late to act on it.

At the University of Sunderland, feedback is embedded directly into Canvas using Qualtrics LTI. The survey runs during weeks 3–7 when students are most at risk of dropping out and focuses on connection, confidence, and wellbeing.

University of Sunderland found that 8% of students indicated they were considering withdrawing. Faculty leads were able to step in early with targeted support, connecting students to academic help, well-being services, and peer groups.

The result: a significant increase in retention and student wellbeing, with staff acting on feedback in real-time rather than retroactively.

Pillar 3: Extending the Journey Beyond Completion

The learner journey doesn’t end at graduation. Yet, many institutions still rely on rigid, for-credit systems that make it hard to serve today’s evolving learners, especially those looking to upskill or reskill.

We highlighted how Jones College’s Online Workforce College has issued over 130,000 skill badges to more than 11,000 learners. Their model supports stackable, non-credit programs that are aligned with employer needs and makes it easy to serve both individual learners (B2C) and organizations (B2B). Their infrastructure supports fast go-to-market launches, group enrollment, and automation making it possible to engage learners far beyond graduation.

Scaling lifelong learning requires more than just offering new programs. It requires systems like Eduframe that are designed to support flexibility, personalization, and ongoing relationships with learners.

Connecting the Dots

When these three areas come together, skill development, feedback, and lifelong engagement, institutions can move from disconnected moments to a truly connected learner experience.

  • Give learners ownership of their growth
  • Act on feedback when it matters most
  • Stay relevant beyond graduation

The result? A stronger experience for learners and longer-lasting impact for institutions.

Would you like to dive deeper into the strategies and examples we shared? The full session includes more insights on challenges, and lessons learned from institutions like Fontys, Sunderland, and Jones College.

Fill out the form below to watch the full recording.

About the Author: Egle Talandyte

Egle is a growth marketing specialist passionate about helping higher education institutions scale their impact through technology. With a deep understanding of global trends and institutional needs, she translates insights from the field into stories that inspire innovation and sustainable growth. Through her work at Drieam, Egle highlights how thoughtful use of EdTech can strengthen learner engagement, streamline operations, and empower educators worldwide.