The latest path to increase the number of college graduates in Wisconsin seems to be through a “flexible” online degree program. The program would break courses into small modules and students would earn credit through a competency test regardless of length of time spent with the material. So, a student could earn credits very rapidly if the subject was already familiar. This is labeled as credit for prior knowledge. UW faculty and staff would be responsible for teaching and serving the students in this new program. Somehow, this will all remain “affordable.” You can review the document from the Governor’s office here.
Upon completion, a student will have a degree. I could not find any information regarding type of degree. Bachelor of Arts? Science? General BA? Applied BS? I’m really trying to wait to hear more about the details before I come to a firm opinion – but it’s tough. The reasoning for this new degree option is economic. Wisconsin needs more graduates, there are unfilled jobs waiting for qualified workers, and traditional programs are getting too expensive. Plus, Wisconsin residents are being wooed by those for-profit programs and “we” are losing tuition money.
Hmm. The first problem I see is that a lot of the unfilled jobs in the state are in the trades or in high skilled manufacturing. I am not sure if welding is a good choice for a u-pace course. Realistically, what kinds of programs can be offered in this format? The Governor mentioned three areas: business and management, health care, and information technology. While those seem to be areas of need, I see another problem. The technical colleges already have related programs and from what I know, they are very good programs. And, the technical programs can be completed in less time than a traditional degree program.
I have a lot of other concerns, too. How will faculty and staff support a program in this on again, off again structure? How will prior learning be evaluated? How much of the degree can be earned that way? How will new credits equate to degree granting credits if students decide to pursue a more traditional route? Will employers actually value this degree? Will this, can this, really be the same as any other UW degree? UW already offers many online degree options and more are being added all the time. Why not look at an accelerated model for some of the existing online programs? Until I know more, I can’t get on the bandwagon.
I am all for finding ways to reach people and to provide educational opportunity to all who seek it, I really am. However, I think something of this nature has to be approached with great care and some skepticism. Just because these programs are out there, does not mean that Wisconsin needs to follow along. Rather than spending precious resources on some new adventure (which isn’t even new any more) I would prefer to see money invested in improving what we already have.
