Yes. Leaning new technologies (and using them appropriately) is probably a valid indicator of something to hire for. But certainly not the only one. A personal project might show of better indicators - design skills, communication skills etc

I vote personal project. Its meritocratic. It involves approximately similar skills to being successful in a technical role. It contributes something new and novel to society. Its probably a better predictor than fizzbuzz, or knowing some technology buzzwords...