Alternative Credentials

There has been a lot of news recently about professional credentials (e.g., badges, certification, micro-credentials) as not only a supplement to a college degree, but also as a potential alternative. What are employers looking for in your industry? Many are focused on skills and training over academic accomplishments, and so credential programs have the potential to grow in popularity among hiring managers and job seekers. A new nonprofit organization, the Credential Transparency Initiative, hopes to make it easier for students, employers, and educators to find and compare the available options.

We discussed this topic in a recent #IOLchat session, revealing the importance of continuing education, professional development, and skill building across industries, even in higher education. Alternative credentials provide multiple avenues to achieve this, including online teaching certification through organizations like the Online Learning Consortium and the University of Wisconsin.

The Next Generation of MOOCs

Massive Open Online Courses aren’t new, but they’ve failed to take off as predicted due in part to low completion rates and questions about learning assessment strategies. The newest offerings offer a format we’re familiar with, but options for students who enroll with the intent of earning an academic certificate or even a master’s degree. MicroMasters programs at 15 different institutions organize students into cohort groups based on their goals (and fees paid). Those interested in academic credit toward a degree can have access to instructor feedback and graded assignments, instead of the peer-grading model used in many MOOCs.

Inside Higher Ed also notes that “each [MicroMasters] program also comes with a corporate endorsement,” with Walmart as one example. This kind of partnerships could boost access to education as employers connect employees with their sponsored programs, and use these programs to discover and recruit new talent.

For-profit Closures Continue

The for-profit sector of higher education continues to see programs losing enrollment, as well as closing entire programs and schools.

Who: ITT Technical Institute

What: ITT is the latest institution to announce closure. Students in these programs are often left in limbo with unfinished classes interrupted midstream, and unfinished degrees. With this closure there seems to be more of a concerted effort to assist students. ITT has made arrangements with Southern New Hampshire University to “teach out” students enrolled in its Daniel Webster College programs. Students who don’t want to transfer their credits to another school may be eligible to have their existing loans cancelled.

Where: Nationwide, with locations in 38 states

When: ITT announced that it will not offer classes as of its September quarter.

Why: The U.S. Department of Education recently ended federal financial aid funding to ITT students, due to alleged issues related to a range of school activities from financial practices to false marketing of job opportunities for graduates.

For more information: Large, For-Profit ITT Tech is Shutting Down All of Its Campuses – NPR.org; SNHU to Lead “Teach Out” of all Daniel Webster College Programs – SNHU.edu

LinkedIn Learning

If you are a LinkedIn Premium user, your experience is getting ready to expand. LinkedIn’s acquisition of Lynda.com has evolved into a new online learning system.

Who: LinkedIn

What: LinkedIn Learning is a new offering from this professional community, designed to offer thousands of video training courses in job related topics “covering business, tech, and creative skills.” The system will recommend specific courses for you based on the information in your profile. Soon, employers will be able to offer targeted job training and professional development opportunities to their employees through the platform.

Where: Online

When: Available now for users with Premium accounts and free account users who choose to oat for a monthly or annual subscription to the course platform.

Why: LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com over a year ago, and the integration has been anticipated for a while now. Offering a catalog of online courses allows LinkedIn to further its reputation and services as the “world’s largest professional network.”

For more information: LinkedIn Doubles Down on Education with LinkedIn Learning – TechCrunch.com

September was a slow month for education conferences, which may not be surprising to those of you also getting settled in your Fall classes. There are many events happening throughout the rest of the year, however. Here are two conferences I am following in October:

WCET Annual Meeting

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Date: October 12-14, 2016

Hashtag: #WCET16

This annual meeting of the WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies) focuses on “practice, policy, and advocacy of technology-enhanced learning in higher education.” The program features a keynote presentation from Jaime Casap, Google’s Education Evangelist, as well as a host of sessions on topics ranging from open educational resources and adaptive learning to state authorization and social media.

EDUCAUSE Annual Conference

Location: Anaheim, CA

Date: October 25-28, 2016

Hashtag: #EDU16

This conference has been appropriately described as “massive” with more than 7,000 attendees and 275 exhibitors. The audience includes information technology professionals, faculty members, and instructional designers who are interested in innovative technology, learning analytics, improving the student experience, and more. EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association for IT professionals working at colleges and universities.

National Get Smart About Credit Day – October 20, 2016

Do you know your credit score? Are you taking on student loans for college? The American Bankers Association established this event to raise awareness and share resources related to developing good financial habits. Get started with our guide to Online College Costs, and make an appointment to speak to your school’s financial assistance advisors.

National Make a Difference Day – October 22, 2016

Join the Points of Light Foundation and TEGNA, Inc. as they coordinate community volunteer projects across the country. Sign up to start your own project or find other projects that need volunteers in your area. The website provides a list of formal rules as well as information about grants and awards. Use #MDDay to share your ideas and involvement.

MidTerm Exams and Grades: If you are enrolled in online courses on a traditional semester schedule (i.e., 15-16 weeks), your Fall term is in full swing. Many programs post mid-term course grades, which are particularly popular in undergraduate courses. This is a good time to take stock in how far you’ve come and review any feedback you’ve received so far. It’s also important to look ahead through the remainder of your course to make sure you understand the expectations and timelines related to completion. If your courses are on a more accelerated schedule (e.g., 8- or 10-weeks) it’s even more important to make time for a progress review and plan for the future.

COE in the News!

“Like online dating, online degrees have moved from taboo to the mainstream.” This was EdSurge’s reaction to our new report about the growth of online programs offered by traditional colleges and universities. In addition to an increase in the number of degree programs available, we also found an expanding list of subjects you can study online. These range from ones you might predict – education, health professions, and business – to others that are less common, such as architecture and visual and performing arts.

If you haven’t heard of SXSWedu, it’s one of the newest education conferences, with a focus on innovation and connecting a global community of educators. The seventh annual event will take place in March 2017 and I’m hoping to participate in a panel session – “Can Online Learning Close the Skills Gap?” This conference allows the public to weigh in on which sessions should be added to the program. Please consider voting for us! The polls close on September 2nd.

Here are some of the ideas I explored last month by following conference hashtags via Twitter:

#UWd2l – Distance Teaching and Learning Conference (August 9-11)

This conference began in 1985 with a goal of providing professional development opportunities to college leaders and faculty members getting started in online education. It continues to be a great event for learning professionals in higher ed, K-12, corporate training and beyond.

“Good advice for online proctoring: Get your faculty to take tests as if a student. Make them understand the experience.” @UWDEPD

• Stepping into the shoes of an online student is in my opinion critical for teaching effectiveness. Online instructors – sign up for an online class, attend a webinar, volunteer with your university to test new learning environments. Change your perspective!

“Open badges from an employer’s perspective.” – @LACNYCnell

• What would it take for employers to take badges seriously? The many variables include reputation of the badge source, how the badge was awarded (was the skill actually assessed?, relevant skills, and clear evidence of achievement.

#UWdtl #openbadges from an employer’s perspective @imsglobal pic.twitter.com/aSnIORb7mN

— Nell Eckersley (@LACNYCnell) August 10, 2016

“Google has a course builder! Who knew?” – @Willis483

• Not me! But it’s good to see. There’s a lot of potential use of this tool for formal educators as well as independent trainers. Want to try your hand at designing an online course? Give this system a try.

“They’re not failures; they’re stepping stones in learning.” – @regardingjohn

• What are your recent lessons learned in online education? Whether it was trouble with technology, conquering a new concept, or navigating the enrollment process, we get a little smarter and more effective with each mistake we make. The secret is identify what went wrong, establish a new approach to the situation, and then act on it.

National Preparedness Month – In September, the Department of Homeland Security encourages us to actively prepare for “the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit.” Each week has a theme and resources are available online. Check out “Week 4 – Individual Preparedness” and think about how you need to get ready for potential disasters in your local area. Your school will have a plan, too, for emergency communications, so take time now to find out the details.

National Campus Safety Awareness Month – For students who travel to a physical campus location, September provides an opportunity to focus on keeping this environment safe. Explore our Student Safety Guide for more information on campus crime and resources. You’ll also find  a few safely mobile apps, and tips for online safety (e.g., password protection).

National Hispanic Heritage Month – From September 15 to October 15 you’ll find a range of events celebrating Hispanic and Latino Americans. Learn more about history and culture through events sponsored by your school and organizations in your local community.

Fall Semester Starts! Changes are that your fall courses are already underway, or will be right after the Labor Day holiday. Make the most of the first few weeks of classes by getting organized and staying on schedule with your online course assignments and discussion forums. Check with your school to ensure you have a current academic calendar with other important dates (e.g., holidays, exams, last day of classes).

Drop/Add Deadline: Don’t wait to ask questions if you think you are in the wrong classes or need to withdraw for other reasons. Talk to your instructors and advisor as soon as possible to ensure you drop the course according to school policy (e.g., by the last day of the first week of classes), and avoid any financial or academic penalties in the process.

 

Education and the Presidential Election

As we get closer to the national election, and the political party conventions come to a close, we need to pay attention to the message both candidates are sending about higher education. Do they have plans related to reform? Are they focused on education and employment as priorities?

New Possibilities for Transfer Students

A new “Interstate Passport” initiative, led by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, seeks to make it easier for students to transfer academic credits to schools in another state. This has been a challenge for decades often leading to students “losing” credit in the process. Individual institutions must choose to participate. A pilot test in seven Western states is underway. Watch for more information as the program opens to additional regions in September.

State Authorization to Enroll Online Students

The U.S. Department of Education’s latest proposal related to online education would require schools to get authorization to offer online courses in each state where they have enrolled students. Past proposals required states to complete an “active review” of out-of-state schools enrolling students in online programs. This review has been dropped from the latest guidelines. Many online schools have been seeking state authorization across the country in recent years, in anticipation of this ruling. The change may mean the ruling will go into effect sooner.

Many educators take a summer break in August, and conferences follow a similar pattern. There is, however, one notable event taking place this month:

Distance Teaching and Learning Conference (August 9-11) – This event is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and brings together a diverse group of learning professionals from K-12, higher education, corporate training, and the military. Follow #UWd2l.

Here are some of the ideas I explored last month by following conference hashtags via Twitter:

#Instcon – InstructureCon (July 19-21): I use the Canvas Instructure learning management system to teach one of my online courses, and it’s probably my favorite of the systems I’ve used so far. This conference offered a lot of ideas for online teaching and learning, as well as conference attendance.

• “Software has to be usable and accessible.” – @kblundstrum
  • Sometimes the basics get forgotten and we have to revisit them. We’ve all probably adopted a new tool that was a trend, but not particularly useful, at some point in our courses.
• “Engage students by creating groups that are integral to who they are, like ‘military’ …” – @ViegerRayne
  • How could you apply this in your online class? What categories would make the most sense? I might look at industry of work, e.g., K-12, Higher Ed, Military, Corporate Training, Tech Innovation, etc.
• “Technology does not change the world. People do.” – @DrAAlston
  • It’s the same with change in higher education – faculty, administrators, and students make it happen.
• “Networking Tip: If you just talk about yourself, it’s not networking. Networking is 1:1 communication. Ask questions, and learn.” – @rseilham
  • Great advice for on-site and virtual events! Get to know others, don’t focus completely on introducing yourself.

Networking Tip: If you just talk about yourself, it’s not networking. Networking is 1:1 communication. Ask questions, and learn. #Instcon

— Ryan Seilhamer (@rseilham) July 25, 2016

#LHConnect2016 – The Learning House Connect Conference (July 20-21): In addition to the release of this year’s Online College Students report, The Learning House event featured sessions on curriculum design, program administration, and marketing.

• “Getting [higher education] right” means integrating different ways to learn and develop skills. – @Trace_Urdan
  • The University of Texas is one example of a school that embraces more than just traditional coursework, creating opportunities for students to engage in other opportunities like bootcamps and MOOCs

   

   

 

• “In a saturated market, it’s not only about communicating. It’s about communicating what you do differently.” – @LearningHouse
  •  I like this advice in many contexts. Prospective students should take some time to compare possible programs and identify what makes each one unique and a good fit for their needs. This advice also applies in a job search scenario. How are you communicate your unique value in a resume or job interview?

   

   

 

 

 

@EduventuresInc Garrett says UofTX gets it right. #LHConnect2016 pic.twitter.com/i8iIEhy7so — Trace Urdan (@Trace_Urdan) July 21, 2016

National Book Lovers Day (August 9): Whether you are immersed in mostly textbooks these days, or have a favorite novel you’ve read this summer, take some time to share what you are reading with friends and family. Consider starting or joining a book club this fall or pick out just one new title to tackle in the coming months. Use #NationalBookLoversDay on social media.

Fall Semester Starts!

For some students the fall term starts before labor day, for others it begins the the following week. When can you access your course sites and syllabi? Start checking now so that you can order your textbooks and start putting class assignment due dates on your fall calendar. Get organized before the first day of classes.

New Regulations Proposed for For-Profit Schools

Unfortunately, there are still academic institutions operating fraudulently, charging tuition without being accountable for providing the experience they promised students. You’ve probably heard of schools that have closed recently, leaving their students with loan debt and no way to graduate. The U.S. Department of Education wants to improve the situation of students who enroll in these schools, and deter these schools from continuing these kinds of practices.

Among the proposed rules are a streamlined debt relief process for students attending schools that have violated federal regulations, closer monitoring of schools that are struggling financially, warnings that bring awareness to a school’s student loan payback rates, and an end to the use of legal agreements some schools require students to sign in order to avoid a future lawsuit.

These new rules won’t go into effect until November, and still need to go through the steps related to their approval and enforcement. In the meantime, students can contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at no cost to explore loan payback and debt relief options. Students should research and compare all of the education options available, including for-profit institutions, to see how they meet their academic, career preparation, and financial expectations.

Accrediting the Accreditors

You are probably familiar with the advice to “make sure your school is accredited.” Why is accreditation important? In short, accreditors conduct an evaluation to ensure a school provides students with a basic level of academic quality. Accreditation status is also tied to students’ ability to use federal financial aid; however, not all accreditors are created equal.

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) currently oversees the accrediting process for hundreds of institutions in the U.S., many of which are in the private, for-profit sector. The agency is drawing fire for accrediting schools that are not providing high-quality experiences for students, and those that are in financial trouble or have closed leaving students in debt and without an opportunity to complete their programs.

The relationship among individual colleges and universities, accrediting agencies, loan organizations, and the federal financial aid system is complicated, even for those of us who have been around a while. There is a call for the federal government to remove agencies like ACICS from their approved list, so that schools accredited by these organizations can’t receive federal funding. This process will take time, and a lot of debate, but it’s a priority higher education professionals must address.

Microsoft and LinkedIn

In June, Microsoft announced its purchase of LinkedIn. Do you have a LinkedIn profile? If not, it’s one of the best places to begin establishing a professional online presence whether you are looking for your first job or advancing in your career. You may also be familiar with Microsoft products as an online student or at your workplace. Many schools now offer students access to Microsoft Office, for example, a widely used software suite that helps learners become workforce ready.

LinkedIn had already made moves in recent years to expand its platform, such as acquisition of Slideshare, a great portfolio app, and Lynda.com, a well-respected training site. Now your profile can be a sort of work portfolio, and as a registered user you can access courses to build your work-related skills. LinkedIn also revamped how the system presents information about colleges and universities to connect users to schools, alumni, and the employers who hire them.

Only time will tell how the Microsoft-LinkedIn combination will impact higher education, but there are already some predictions. EdSurge shares the potential harmony that exists in combining productivity software, skill development resources, and an online community that includes, working professionals and job seekers, academic institutions, and employers.

As I post this July letter I am in Chicago for the National Career Development Association’s Annual Conference. Watch for more feedback on this event from me in August! In the meantime you can track #NCDAChicago to get an idea of what career counselors are sharing at this conference.

Although I’m not attending the following conferences in person, I’ll monitor their hashtags online:

InstructureCon (July 19-21): The Canvas learning management system sponsors this annual event to connect users in K-12 and higher education. Not using Canvas at your institution? Check out the Blackboard conference (July 12-14) and the Brightspace by D2L event (July 18-19). Follow #InstructureCon.

Campus Technology Conference (August 1-4): This annual educational technology conference is focused on the use of technology for administration, teaching and learning, IT infrastructure, and research in higher education. Attendees represent a wide range of college and university roles, including instructional design, academic computing, and faculty. Follow #CampusTech.

Here are some of the ideas I explored last month by following the New Media Consortium’s conference hashtag:

#NMC16 – New Media Consortium Summer Conference

• “Jargon is evolving – mixed reality, augmented reality, virtual reality.” – @alexpickett
  • Evolution in technology changes what we can do in education, and it all happens pretty quickly. So quickly in fact that we aren’t always sure what to call it. Embrace the evolution and look at how instructors and students are making the most of new tools in different learning environments.
• How can you get your group, team, or class to think about things differently? Are you stuck in a rut with typical presentations, reports, and discussions? – @ExpertlyMade
  • Take a look at LiberatingStructures.com – step-by-step guidance on 35 disruptive ways to work together.
• Can’t be at all of the sessions at once? Take a look at everyone’s notes! – @mcdanger
  • Leave it to technology conference attendees to create an online space for taking session notes, and encourage a culture of sharing.

Watch for these upcoming events and deadlines.

International Day of Friendship (July 30): Established in 2011 by the United Nations, this day brings awareness to “the ideas that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities” (UN). There seems no better time than the present to extend the reach of this message. How can you contribute? Recognize the friendships that make a difference in your life, and look for opportunities to expand your understanding of a culture that is different from yours.

Fall Registration

If you are an online student, it’s likely your courses will roll through spring, summer, and fall with little break. Fall course schedules are now available for start dates in August and September, so register before the spaces fill up – even online courses have enrollment caps. Check with your academic advisor as soon as possible to make sure you register for the classes you need to stay on track toward graduation!

As the presidential candidates on both sides continue their campaigns, higher education is one of the issues we should all be following closely. As Boston.com points out, the various platforms range from free tuition for all to the possibility of drastic changes to the Department of Education. Topics of debate include tuition rates, student loan payback plans and interest rates, and availability of federal aid. While the election is still five months away, it’s wise to start following the education plans, if you aren’t already. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators provides a closer look at the Democratic candidates’ higher education proposals, noting that the Republican candidate has not released a formal plan.

In June I’m attending the National Career Development Association Annual Conference (June 29 – July 2). With a theme of “Fostering Well-Being Through Meaningful Work,” career counselors and coaches from the US and international locations will come together at this event to share their work and explore professional development opportunities. Follow #NCDAChicago.

New Media Consortium Summer Conference (June 14-16): The NMC is a community of colleges, universities, museums, and research centers the encourages innovative and creative approaches to learning around the globe. Keynote sessions will focus on games and digital play, and managing tech related chaos and disruption. Follow #NMC16.

MoodleMoot US (June 21-23): Does your school use the Moodle learning management system? If so, this event is dedicated to making the most of this open source platform. Educators in K-12 and higher education, as well as corporate trainers, will share their Moodle expertise, ideas, and examples. Follow #MootUS16.

Here are some of the ideas I explored last month by following the Association of Talent Development’s conference hashtag:

#ATD2016: Association for Talent Development (ATD) Conference

• Leadership (and so many other work-related skills) take practice. – @stipton We aren’t going to be expert teachers, students, leaders, managers, artists, etc. overnight. And it’s not going to happen after taking a few courses. We have to keep at it and keep learning, and allow ourselves to be novices and apprentices.
• Innovation and learning require a certain degree of failure. – @atd This reminder is always appropriate in education, and the classroom (online and on campus) offers probably the best environment for testing new ideas, practicing skills, and applying new techniques, not all of which will work as expected the first time
• You can learn anything, if you identify helpful resources and try. Make the most of things like YouTube, open access tutorials, library services and more to explore a new interest or augment materials in a class you are already taking.

Watch for these upcoming events and deadlines.

FAFSA Deadline (June 30)

The Federal Financial Aid form has a deadline of June 30th, but your school may have related deadlines that occur before this deadline. Check with your academic advisor and financial aid office to make sure you are on track with your application and understand what is required of the process.

Fall Registration

It may not seem like it now, but the fall semester is right around the corner. If you are an online student, it’s likely your courses will roll through spring, summer, and fall with little break. Fall term course schedules are now be available for start dates in August and September, so get registered now before the spaces fill up – even online courses have enrollment caps. Check with your academic advisor as the summer begins!