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• SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2014
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AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR
Continuing education fills many needs By Brian Herbert
For Custom Publications
Adult education has evolved over the past several decades. The recession in 2008 changed the way individuals and companies view continuing education programs, and the education system itself has begun to use technology and innovative approaches to reach adult learners and provide access to lifelong learning opportunities. “Research is fairly clear that online courses can be just as effective as face-to-face instruction,” said Ron Thomas, executive director of corporate and executive education for Butler University. “More schools are embracing the ways to provide the most accessible Thomas education to a global audience.”
A win-win
In the new economy, individual learners and employers place different values on postsecondary education. While many individuals in the job market see advanced degrees and continuing education as a path to career success; employers see the opportunities to use these programs to give their businesses an edge in the marketplace. “Right now, companies are really focused on offering their employees programs to develop business acumen and especially servant leadership,” Thomas said. “There is a new leadership style in business that is focused around leadership, culture, values and performance.” Many companies work with educational institutions such as Butler University to design and implement training programs for their employees. Butler and other schools design customized curriculum to help companies focus on what is most important for them. Many focus on topics like ethics, business acumen and leadership.
Education Rx
Continuing education programs are also designed for specific professions in which employees are required to continually refine their skills. Attorneys, educators, accountants and many health care professionals must continue the learning process throughout their careers. Hospitals and health care facilities throughout Indiana are seeking ways to train and develop their staffs in partnership with local schools. “Many hospitals in central Indiana have earned a magnet status,” said Dr. Anne Thomas, dean of the University of Indianapolis School of Nursing. “That status means they need their workers to be highly skilled and to complete continuing education. We partner directly Thomas with them to offer the programs and courses their workforce needs.” The nursing program at the University of Indianapolis works with local health care providers to train their staffs. UIndy recently created a program in conjunction with Riley Hospital for Children – IU Health to provide a neonatal nurse practitioner program when no program was available in Indiana. “Before we developed the neonatal nurse practitioner program with Riley, hospitals had to hire practitioners from other states,” Dr. Thomas said.
Special delivery
Like many other schools, UIndy brings courses straight to employees. Universities everywhere are going beyond online courses when it comes to accessibility. Courses are now being offered at businesses instead of on campus. The result is added convenience for students. Our cohort programs go straight to the hospitals so health care workers can complete their programs right where they work,” Dr. Thomas said. “We regularly have classes that meet one day a week in the evening right inside the hospital.” Schools are working hard to develop continuing education programs that meet the educational goals of both students and employers. With the abundance of delivery options, schools can offer something to meet every student’s needs. ▲
More than a class
Continuing education is about more than taking a class to get ahead at work or change careers. A quality education is an invaluable asset. Here are five reasons to consider continuing your education and becoming a lifelong learner. Taking continuing education courses enables you to develop new skills and continue to feed your desire to learn. Everyone is born with a thirst for knowledge. Finding opportunities to learn new skills as an adult will allow you to continue to grow and learn throughout your lifetime. Adult education is an enriching experience that provides a sense of accomplishment. Not only can it be exciting and rewarding to master the art of photography or learn how to cook like a gourmet, simply completing a course or education program is a worthy accomplishment itself. Why not become an expert at something? Continuing education programs give adults the chance to focus on a specific subject and become knowledgeable in a specific subject area. Then, when you tell your spouse you’re an expert, you’ll have the education to back you up. Break away from your current boring job and get a new one. Continuing education courses can prepare you for a change in your career. Technology’s alternative education delivery methods will enable you learn while you continue to earn in your current job. Learning is just plain fun. Educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, libraries and even parks offer a wide range of topics for study. If you can’t find something new to learn, you aren’t trying hard enough.