Dear Ashford Administration:
Introduction
This
proposal examines the benefits of a new learning program called FlexPath,
showing how this new self-paced learning option will develop the same skills as
traditional programs, yet in a more flexible and cost-effective way. For some students five weeks is not enough
time to learn a new subject and for other students, the opposite is true. A student proficient in high school algebra
would certainly not require five weeks to complete the course, whereas a
student having been absent from math class over the past two decades would
relish the extra time to grasp the algebraic concepts. The implementation of the Flexpath plan would
give students the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Rather than weekly participation
and deadlines, they can complete their work at a speed comfortable for them,
anytime during the course. This would enable them to really learn
what they are studying, instead of just going through the motions of
learning. Due to the fact that online
learning is still a new concept, there have not been enough studies to show how
the quality of learning is affected with five-week classes. Speaking from my own experience, having a
high grade-point average does not mean the subjects taken were actually
learned.
Body
One of the important reasons people go
back to college online is to learn about things that will enhance their lives
and help them reach their career goals. They
are usually working and raising a family at the same time, which makes their
schedules very unpredictable. The stress
of the difficulty and the lack of ability to learn the information that quickly
may cause a student to get frustrated, feel inadequate, and quit school. They will go through life thinking they are
not smart enough for college, however the truth is they just needed more time. Money
is also usually a deterrent when thinking about furthering their
education. By
using the FlexPath system, they can complete multiple courses while paying one,
flat tuition rate per quarter. This can
save the student money and help finish their degree sooner (capella.edu.,
n.d.).
FlexPath: Bachelor's Degree
TOTAL TUITION & TIME TO
COMPLETION*
Source:
Capella.edu
(n.d.) FlexPath: Selp-Paced Courses
Online – Capella University retrieved from www.capella.edu › About Capella › Online Learning
Ashford
University is very interested in high quality education as evidenced by the
fact they were the first university to receive recognition by Quality Matters
TM for its institution-level implementation plan. This means that they set up a plan that reviews
each Ashford online course through a stringent, standards-based peer review
process that focuses on the quality of the course design. These high standards ensure that the online
courses promote learner engagement and provide the necessary tools and information
that students require to be successful learners (student.ashford.edu,
2014). This high quality combined with
the flexibility of the FlexPath would make Ashford University a part of, as The Higher
Learning Commission (HLC) states, a revolutionary step towards more innovative
advances to higher education (businesswire.com, 2013). The biggest benefit is that when the student
graduates they will have learned the information necessary to be competitive in
their particular career field.
There is one
college that already has this plan in place.
Cappella University has two degree programs, Bachelor of Science and
Master of Business Administration, which have the option of the FlexPath program
(Zacks.com, 2013). They have received
program approval by the U.S. Department of Education and The Higher Learning
Commission (HLC), which means students still qualify for Federal Financial Aid
programs (capella.edu., n.d.).
The FlexPath model would allow Ashford University to
focus on how well students learn, rather than how much time it takes them to
learn. In a time of free and open
content, this is an important innovation that will help drive down costs for
students while still making Ashford University instruction available for those
who will benefit from a more traditional approach. Faculty will remain at the
heart of the FlexPath model as they provide feedback and guidance for students
working to demonstrate and master competencies.
How the program works as set-up by Capella University
obtained from cappella.edu:
Demonstrate
Your Knowledge
Once the concepts of the course have been
mastered, activities that demonstrate specific competencies with be completed. The use of textbooks, ebooks, simulations,
videos, even your own work experience can be used to complete the
activities. Access to the online library
is also available.
Enroll in Multiple Courses at a Time
Enrollment
in two courses at a time can be done, with no limitation to the number of
courses you can enroll in per quarter.
Transparent Evaluations
Grades or
GPA’s are not received with FlexPath. Faculty will review student assessments
and provide substantial feedback based on upfront evaluation criteria. There is
no "testing" out. Specific
skills and knowledge will be judged by written papers, proposals or submitting
other academic work.
An example, would be an assessment that is
requiring a draft of a project proposal that demonstrates strategic thinking,
and ability to forecast a budget, form a team and clearly communicate.
FlexPath: Not for Everyone
FlexPath students must be self-directed, highly
motivated, and comfortable learning independently. They will be most successful if FlexPath courses
are taken that deal with topics that closely align with their professional
goals.
Successful FlexPath students are skilled at:
·
Setting
goals and seeing them through
·
Managing
time wisely and effectively
·
Working
independently and staying motivated
·
Learning
in online environments
·
Building
and using a support network to help them stay on track
How Is FlexPath Different?
Standard Path
|
FlexPath
|
|
What Is It?
|
Faculty lead students in discussions
and assignments throughout the week.
|
Students work independently at their
own pace throughout the quarter.
|
Available Degree Programs
|
All Programs
|
Select Programs
|
Assignments & Course
Activity Deadlines
|
Weekly
|
By End of Quarter
|
Course Room Interaction with
Peers
|
Yes
|
Optional
Students can interact with peers outside course room. |
Admission Requirements
|
Varies by Program
|
Varies by Program
|
Estimated Time to Complete
Degree
|
Master's – 2-3 years
Bachelor's – 3-4 years |
Master's – 1-1.5 years
Bachelor's – 2 years |
Courseload
|
3 courses / quarter maximum
|
No limit
|
Tuition Structure
|
Tuition per credit or course
|
Flat tuition rate per quarter
|
Source:
Capella.edu
(n.d.) FlexPath: Selp-Paced Courses
Online – Capella University retrieved from www.capella.edu › About Capella › Online Learning
There will be costs to the university to
implement this new concept, however it will save money in the long run to both
students and the university. Ashford must
publicize the new concept and get feedback from students as well as teachers. Publicity could include articles by staff
members in the campus newspaper, leaflets distributed on campus, and a freshman
library orientation acknowledging the need to have another alternative for
higher learning, emphasis on learning (Zacks.com, 2013).
Conclusion
In conclusion, if the FlexPath program were to be implemented at Ashford
University, students would be able to learn at their own pace and they would
actually learn what they are studying.
Their education would also be more affordable, making it possible for
more people to get a higher education.
There would be less people dropping out that felt they were not smart
enough because they could not learn what was required in five weeks. This program is a win-win situation for
everyone; there is no reason it should not be implemented. It will save time and money for students and
university alike. The high-quality
education that Ashford University is known for, as evidenced by the recognition
received from Quality Matters TM,
will continue. As well as get even
better when students are able to learn and show their competency in real-world
applications instead of pre-determined time designation. With FlexPath, this new self-paced learning
format helps build the career enhancing skills that employers are looking for,
at a speed that fits the online student’s lifestyle (capella.edu, n.d.).
References
Ashford
University, (2014) retrieved from https://student.ashford.edu/secure/student/StuPortal.aspx
Businesswire.com (2013), The U.S. Department of Education Approves
Groundbreaking learning model; retrieved from http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130812005233/en/U.S.-Department-Education-Approves-Groundbreaking-Learning-Model#.U3rGTREU
Capella.edu (n.d.) FlexPath: Selp-Paced Courses Online – Capella University retrieved
from www.capella.edu › About Capella › Online Learning
Zacks.com (2013) ED Approves Cappella’s FlexPath Programs (2013) retrieved
from http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/106769/ed-approves-capellas-flexpath-programs
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