bodner089

Are you familiar with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)? The web address is www.cael.org. CAEL provides a variety of services, but I especially want to draw attention to their work with prior or experiential learning. Even as more faculty members and administrators become comfortable with online and hybrid delivery of programs, I find that there is a lot of misinformation about credit for prior learning. To be sure, there are institutions with low standards for awarding credit, but there also are best practices that, if examined, represent a legitimate assessment in support of awarding credit. In that regard, check out CAEL’s Learning Counts site, to see more on their assessment services, www.LearningCounts.org. When one looks at research on adult learners, such as Stamats’ “Adult Students Talk,” among the features of academic programs adults are seeking is credit for prior learning. Institutions can refuse to award or recognize such credit, but to the exten...

These days, colleges and universities seek new ways to expand their reach and enrollment. Much of the attention goes to creating online courses and programs, and that is understandable. Delivering high quality programs and services, from a single, central location has appeal. As always, executing from a solid business plan is critical. Nevertheless, there still are times when it makes sense to create branch campuses. Strong branch strategies emphasize partnership, community engagement, and other advantages that come with a physical presence. Check out a recent New York Times article about a new branch established in Charlotte, NC, by Northeastern University: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/education/northeastern-university-expands-its-geographic-reach.html?_r=1&hpw. (You may have to copy and paste the address into your browser.) I should disclose that I have a modest consulting relationship with Northeastern, and I was quoted in the article, although I had no part in their s...