The Redgate Read On Online Learning

I wholeheartedly believe we are on the verge of seeing significant changes in the education landscape. I am talking about BIG changes. These changes are being brought about by forward thinking educators and students who are asking:

1. Why am I learning (or teaching) this?
2. How is it relevant to the world I live in now?

Just think about how the answers to these questions change the game.

We can analyze, evaluate and debate, ad nauseam, the value of post-secondary education.  Are the anticipated outcomes for the end user (student) worth it in light of the investment of time and resources?  There has been much discussion about this in recent days, especially in the for-profit education space.  Is education dying while it’s trying?

I know I can get lost in myriad of information that is available on both sides of this question.  I don’t know about you, but for me simplicity is key so let me navigate through this endless chatter to establish, in my opinion, what is the crux of this matter.

The intrinsic value of post-secondary education, or education in general,  must be measured by its ability to affect the destiny of one who is less advantaged.  That’s it – plain and simple.  In my next post, I will explain why I feel this way.

My wife and I just returned from family vacation at the Outer Banks in North Carolina which is becoming one of our “can’t miss” traditions.  The sandy beaches, rolling surf, Duck Donuts, morning walks, and those “treasured moments” with the kids and grand-kids are oxygen for the soul.

It was also wonderful watching those grandchildren make sense of their surroundings and each other.  As I interacted (okay, played) with them, I discovered that the space between their animated joy, laughter, cries, and everything else in between was their way of probing and learning.  And let’s not forget that the process included them astutely observing the adults who were present.  I think this picture illustrates my point and might be good for some of you.

Although I have only provided minimal comment on the ongoing for-profit education saga regarding things like gainful employment,  student loan defaults, and questionable enrollment practices, it is apparent that prevailing government (and state) headwinds will continue in this space for years to come. For those not familiar with what has been going, this recent article paints the current landscape.

Let me be perfectly clear that these prevailing headwinds are a GOOD thing.  Why?  Two reasons:

1. It will force greater transparency and promote best practices that favor students and their learning outcomes.

2. It will weed out questionable practices (THAT HAVE OCCURRED!) and highlight institutions that are in the business for all the wrong reasons.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  For-profit institutions should have a place in the post-secondary hierarchy.  Their programs for adult, non-traditional learners and underserved segments of the population are key to the competitive success of our society and country.