As promised in this post, 2010 is looking different for eLearningToolBox. We have many exciting things going on and coming up. Become a fan of our facebook page and get updates about what we are doing, where we are going, and what you are missing!
A must watch for all educators. For the next nine minutes, watch, listen, believe, and commit to make a difference.
In February 2009, President Obama stated in his speech to Congress, one of his goals was to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. Since then monies have been moved into grant programs to increase technology in the classrooms and promote alternative learning that includes distance learning. However, what has been done to increase enrollments of adult students?
Some would argue it has already happened as a by-product of the poor economy and loss of jobs. Layoffs have forced much of the workforce back to school to improve their skills, get new skills, or rethink their futures with a new career path. Community Colleges have seen record enrollments and report that their non-traditional student population is growing.
Now what? So yes, schools do show increasing enrollments of adult students that will ultimately help reach the President's goal for 2020. But what is being done to retain these students? What is the plan to provide student services that are meaningful and helpful to this population? Schools that weather this influx of new enrollees will pay attention to the demographic of their audience. They will get a strategic planning team together and create systems to support the adult learner.
A recent discussion on Capitol Hill, highlighted the need for such services. Plans will include looking at the current job market and futuristic trends (example: green initiatives). Getting to know the students and their needs. Providing flexible schedules to accomodate families, illnesses, and work schedules (example: distance learning). Also, paying attention to the common challenges associated with an older student (example: perhaps low technical competency, stronger level of commitment, more needy or less needy of personal help from instructor, etc).
Once a plan is put in place it will be crucial for schools to implement services that make sense. Doing so will create a supportive environment that promotes successful students with completed degrees. In particular a school may consider having an online counselor available to help adult students juggle all the demands of work, school, and family. While a traditional student may need an individual on-campus to provide counseling on how to handle being away from home, managing money, and help with prioritizing.
With a calculated effort, not only will enrollments continue to rise, but more non-traditional students will re-enter the workforce with new skills, confidence, and that much closer to a nationwide goal!
In a recent article, published in Ventura County Star, serviceman Wallace Larson earned his MBA from California Lutheran University taking online classes while serving in Germany and Iraq. Technology allowed him access and with flexible assignments and instructors, Larson was able to obtain a degree in finance that gave him a new career path after retiring from the military.
In a similar story, The University of Wisconsin-Stout, reports their military students as a whole seem to have a higher level of commitment to complete their online classes. Targeting these students could be a good move for retention in online programs.
With new government funds from the GI bill to support soldiers in their quest to further educational goals, it is becoming a viable option for military personnel. Some analysts report having soldiers engaged in schoolwork, can help them stay connected to their lives they left behind. Also, continuing to pursue one's life goals in the midst of chaos, can increase morale and limit discontentment. Success stories are unlimited of opportunities soldiers have to complete or continue their education even though they've been deployed out of the country.
Most of the time a new year is accompanied by a fresh perspective. It allows everyone to take a look back and plan for a better future. Maybe to change your ways, add new skills, improve relationships or decide to "make things happen"! In 2010, eLearningToolBox is determined to make things happen! We are planning great things and can't wait to share with you what is on the horizon.
While the political power hangs in the balance, as the economy see-saws and the housing market flip flops, when education budgets are being slashed, as unemployment stabilizes, one thing remains...if you keep doing what you've always done, then you'll keep getting what you've always gotten. It's time to look at things differently in 2010.
As we work hard in 2010, to close out this decade, it is time to ramp up our efforts to increase product awareness, establish closer relationships with clients, and find more meaning in the services that we provide. We are ready to make 2010, look different...are you?
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