Online Education

SEPTEMBER 2017 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM

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An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

Online Education General Assembly CEO Jake Schwartz shares how updating your skill set can help further career passion.

LEARN

how high school students are choosing to attend class in the new digital age

BROWSE

more stories online, including how a degree in telehealth can help advance the future of health care

2 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | IN THIS ISSUE

MEDIAPLANET

Demand for Choice and Diversity in Online Learning Creates Innovation Although online education has been around for many years, the demand for a collaborative and engaging learning environment has led to diversity in online programs.

T

he United States Distance Learning Association, or USDLA, is honored to participate alongside other people and organizations that represent online learning. The USDLA was formed in 1987 and is celebrating 30 years. Over that time, we’ve been consistently carrying out our mission of supporting the development and application of distance learning. We represent the community across a variety of constituencies that includes pre-K-12, higher education, continuing education,

dents taking at least one online course. As an increase in online learning continues, the familiarity with it becomes more of a common practice. Online learning is producing some interesting outcomes, particularly when it comes to innovation.

corporate, military and government, home schooling and telehealth both nationally and internationally.

Evolution of online education Like the USDLA, online education has been in existence for decades.

Its earliest form dating all the way back to the 1960’s with linked computer terminals at the University of Illinois. As the digital age progressed from the mid 1980’s through the early 90’s, so did the adoption of online learning. It’s now effectively mainstreamed with more than a quarter of stu-

Ken Conn 2017 President, United States Distance Learning Association, Director Partnerships & Collaboration, i2i Technologies

The online generation A new generation of students, who have grown up in a world that has always included online learning, is challenging the way things have been done and why they continue to operate that way. At the same

time, technology continues to provide our lives with flexibility while keeping us increasingly more connected. This allows us to focus on what’s really important — interaction, relationships and community.

We want those same things in our learning environments as well. We want collaborative and engaging environments where we can interact with people and information at any time, in any place, at any pace and with a device of our choosing. The demand for more choice and diversity across the board has understandably arrived. n

Publisher Jordan Hernandez, Andrea Rodriguez, Daniel Pinkston Business Developer Jourdan Snyder Managing Director Luciana Olson Content and Production Manager Chad Hensley Senior Designer Celia Hazard Designer Jennifer Chu Copy Editor Alexandra Hough Production Coordinator Josh Rosman Contributors Paula Andruss, Sharon Bonney, Ken Conn, Amy McGrath, Anna Marie Nieboer, Peyton Robertson, Robert Rosseter, Marie Tagbo, Michael Tarantino, Andrew Youmans Cover Photo General Assembly All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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4 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | ADVOCACY

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Leading the Charge to Raise Awareness About the Many Faces of Adult Education The U.S.’s widening education gap has resulted in social stratification and economic isolation. These lapses can transform into a significant threat to the U.S. economy and general social stability.

A

dult education programs are crucial in alleviating the education gap. They have a track record of positioning individuals for success in the workplace. By definition, these programs serve those 16 years of age and older who are no longer enrolled in school, no longer required by law to be enrolled and who are functioning below the high school completion level.

While services include teaching foundation skills in the disciplines of reading, math and English, adult education has a broad reach that prepares learners with college and career readiness skills. These skills can help lead to employment or help prepare for the transition to post-secondary education. Adult educators also help parents obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the education of their children.

Support for adult education is getting mixed signals at the federal and state level. Including whether adult curriculum initiatives can continue to attract financial support, as funding cuts seem imminent in many cases. Federal budget proposals for 2018 suggest a $95 million cut to adult education programs, including literacy courses, as part of a larger $9 billion cut to the Department of Education budget. The reductions have a strong potential to diminish the U.S.’s

workforce’s standing in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Indeed, the international Survey of Adult Skills survey found that the U.S.’s average performance in literacy and numeracy was significantly lower than the international average. Additionally, the U.S. has more working-age adults with low literacy skills than more than six industrialized countries.

Educate & Elevate To help safeguard adult education, we’ve launched the Educate & Elevate Campaign, a national endeavor aimed at highlighting how an investment in adult education represents a bold commitment to America’s future. The campaign is multi-faceted, relying on a combination of grass-roots outreach efforts among 55,000 adult educators, evangelizing by public figures and digital communications to get its core message out.

Crucial to Educate & Elevate’s Campaign mission, is detailing the deep social effects of the U.S.’s education gap, as well as the weakening of existing adult education system programs. These programs are already struggling to achieve basic workforce development goals.

The numbers speak for themselves. By 2018, 63 percent of all U.S. jobs are expected to require education beyond high school. But nearly 50 percent of the U.S. workforce — about 88 million of the 188

Nearly 50 percent of the U.S. workforce — about 88 million of the 188 million adults ages 18 to 64 — has achieved a high school education or less. million adults ages 18 to 64 — has achieved a high school education or less. It’s difficult to explain how employers will satisfy their recruitment needs if this trend continues to evolve unabated.

In many cases, the pain of the underfunding is already being felt.

According to Alan Daley’s “Overcoming the Skills Shortage,” more than 75 percent of manufacturers claim to suffer from severe to moderate skill shortages, while 33 percent of all small businesses say they are failing to find qualified candidates for job openings.

And then there’s the seemingly silent dilemma of what happens to all those individuals who seek out adult education programs but can’t access them. Consider how adult education state grants have remained the same since the fiscal

year 2002. This represents a drop of more than 25 percent in actual dollar terms, while enrollment has dipped by 44 percent, most drastically among the very individuals who are most dependent on such programs to develop a workforce skill.

The effect on minority communities The education gap’s impact in minority communities is also an issue that Educate & Elevate is highlighting. Roughly 87 percent of white students graduate from high school on time. According to Educate & Elevate’s campaign data, just 76 percent of Hispanics, and 73 percent of African Americans can boast such achievement.

And although white, African American and Hispanic students are about equally likely to start college after finishing high school, black and Hispanic students are much less likely to obtain a degree within a six-year period.

Educate & Elevate’s campaign represents roughly 55,000 adult educators, as well as civic and private-sector leaders, who want to help adults succeed in a global economy. It calls for partnering with the NCSDAE (National Council of State Directors of Adult Education) and COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education) to support advocacy work that will ensure that members of Congress

invest in adult education. This includes allocating $649 million for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act enacted in 2014.

If implemented properly, the law would go a long way in achieving greater integration of adult education and the workforce system, as well as stressing college and career readiness.

A big part of Educate & Elevate’s campaign is to highlight success stories and the adult learners who are advocates for the campaign.

Examples include stories like Mr. Story Musgrave, who never finished school and ran off to Korea with the U.S. Marines where he was an aircraft electrician and an engine mechanic. He started flying with the Marines and over the next 55 years accumulated 18,000 hours in more than 160 aircrafts. Using adult education as a life catalyst, Mr. Musgrave obtained a GED and went on to become the only astronaut to have flown in all five space shuttles. This resulted in six space flights, seven graduate degrees and 20 honorary doctorate degrees.

In the coming weeks, expect to hear more stories from leaders like Musgrave about the value of adult education, as Educate & Elevate seeks to advocate for this vital resource. n

By Sharon Bonney, Executive Director, Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE)

6 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Q&A

More Students Are Choosing to Attend High School Online. Here’s Why. Digital schooling is becoming popular for high schools. We talked to two Stanford Pre-Collegiate students about why they chose online high school over traditional high school.

What was your decision-making process in choosing to attend a virtual high school?

I wanted to have more structure than the homeschooling format but less than tradition school, and to surround myself with other students who loved learning. I didn’t have anywhere else to look.

How do you feel your experience will set you apart from other students?

I have a belief that going to school every day for 12 years will lead you into the nine to five life. I think human beings should be exposed to more, so they can chose what kind of career life they want.

After your virtual high school experience, do you intend to take mostly online courses in college?

7 Things You May Not Know About Taking Online Courses Online schools are becoming more common. These are seven reasons why enrolling in an online school could be right for you.

ment, Honors and dual enrollment, college-level courses to boost your GPA.

1. Courses are ready when you are Schedule flexibility is one reason students and families are taking high school classes online.

5. Online learning means you won’t be held back By re-taking a dreaded class online, you may be able to replace the course you failed without having to repeat it at school.

2. Online classes can help you graduate early Take online classes and you can work towards earning your diploma and graduating as soon as you’re ready.

6. Online learning helps students figure out how the adult world works Students who take online classes learn how to navigate unfamiliar working environments and gain a jump start on adult life.

3. Online does not mean working alone When you take an online high school class, you join a community. There is a real teacher, real students and activities.

7. Get a head start toward college Some online high schools offer dual enrollment, allowing you to receive college credit from local community colleges. n

4. You can boost your GPA Many online schools offer Advanced Place-

By Amy McGrath, Associate Vice President, Educational Outreach COO, ASU Prep Digital

I don’t intend to take online courses because Stanford Online High School is structured similarly. College allows the same schedule flexibility provided in OHS. Why would you recommend online high school programs for prospective students?

The classes had this electricity — so interesting, about topics I cared about and related back to my life. I believe that an OHS program is a great option.

By Marie Tagbo, Student, Stanford Pre-Colliegate Studies

An Independent School • Grades 7–12

What was your decision-making process in choosing to attend a virtual high school?

I was attracted to OHS because it combines high-level academics and provides opportunities to be placed in classes based on ability.

How do you feel your experience will set you apart from other students?

Because of OHS’s accomplished instructors, OHS provides exposure beyond the scope of most physical schools.

After your virtual high school experience, do you intend to take mostly online courses in college?

My experience at OHS will transition smoothly into the physical environment of most colleges.

Expect the Extraordinary

Why would you recommend online high school programs for prospective students?

Join our global community of intellectually passionate students and instructors learning together in real time.

I would recommend them to prospective students who want to excel in a community of peers and qualified instructors.

 Apply today at ohs.stanford.edu

By Peyton Robertson, Student, Stanford Pre-Colliegate Studies

| MEDIAPLANET | 7

Nursing Schools Answer Demand by Bolstering Online Educational Programs The time may be right for you to consider advancing your nursing education and expanding your career horizons by completing an online degree program.

into the graduate arena given the increasing number of professional opportunities open to nurses prepared at advanced levels. Over 500 schools of nursing now offer master’s programs (MSN), with 202 of these institutions operating RN to MSN programs at least partially online. Doctoral programs are also moving online, with 26 nursing Ph.D. and 99 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs now offered completely online.

Meeting the nation’s growing need for highly educated registered nurses is being facilitated by the influx of online nursing degrees. Distance education, has been particularly useful in rural areas and in places where access to baccalaureate and graduate degree nursing programs are scarce. According to recent data, almost 600 RN to BSN programs are offered at least partially online, and 289 of these programs may be completed without stepping into a classroom.

The next steps Those considering an online nursing program are encouraged to contact schools to find out about admission requirements and expectations, as well as to discuss what supports are in place to facilitate success. n

By Robert Rosseter, MBA, MS, Chief Communications Officer, American Association of Colleges of Nursing

A range of degrees The surge in online nursing programs extends

When your dedication to wellness grows...

Q&A

Frontier Nursing University Students Talk Why They Chose a Career in Health Care When and why were you first inspired to pursue a career in health care?

I have loved newborns since I was young. So, I originally wanted to be an obstetrician. I decided to pursue labor and delivery nursing instead because my husband and I started a family at a young age. As a nurse and a mother, I began to realize that I loved caring for pregnant women just as much as I loved caring for newborns.

What made you choose this particular path/specialty?

Women need to be supported in their demanding role as caregivers. They can be benefited through mindful and empowering health care that supports long-term health. It’s exciting to be in a position that can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and babies by changing the way we care for them during pregnancy and birth.

Is there any advice you’d like to give to anyone seeking to pursue an education and/or career in health care?

My advice would be to create a balance between life and work and to fight for personal wellness. It is difficult to approach patients with positive regards and empathy if the health care provider is not physically or emotionally healthy. This provides the best care for patients and improves the culture for all health care providers.

By Anna Marie Nieboer, Student, Frontier Nursing University

When and why were you first inspired to pursue a career in health care?

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I initially went to college to study political science. I later found out that I disliked the focus on the theoretical. Nursing provided a very tangible career.

I feel it gives me the chance to really make a difference in the lives of others.

Specialties offered:

In general, I chose nursing for its flexibility and broadness. The choice to pursue nurse-midwifery, in short, is due to the fact that maternal mortality is rising at an unprecedented rate in this country. Other areas of health care are making great strides in reducing mortality due to a vast array of diseases and disorders. I want to be part of making changes so that maternal mortality rates decrease.

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What made you choose this particular path/specialty?

Is there any advice you’d like to give to anyone seeking to pursue an education and/or career in health care?

Whatever path you choose, go into it with an open mind. When I decided to become a nurse, maternal-child nursing was not even on my radar. My experience as a student really inspired me to pursue it as a career. Carefully evaluate educational options, costs and employment opportunities and understand the lifestyle associated with the career. For education, I think is important to select a program that focuses on your needs.

By Andrew Youmans, Student, Frontier Nursing University

8 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM

| INSPIRATION

MEDIAPLANET

Just in Time: Making an MBA Work for You There are always plenty of excuses that keep you from pursuing your career goals, but not every MBA program is built in such a way that it would come between you and your obligations.

Programs do exist that allow you the flexibility to fit a graduate degree into your busy schedule and not the other way around.

Prepping for the field Think about the current workforce

we employ. More and more of the workforce is being filled by millennials, individuals who are more mobile and more apt to change jobs at an increased rate compared to the generations before them.

This generation needs their graduate degree to fit into their exciting, ever-changing lifestyle and more and more schools are redesigning their programs to meet those needs. Being able to have the opportunity to gain experience while you pursue your degree is a huge advantage as a

professional. Theories that you learn on a Tuesday evening could be immediately applied in practice on Wednesday morning back at the office or at your internship.

Make it a win-win To an employer who may be financing your degree, it is extremely valuable for them to see the return on their investment in real time.

MBA programs are designed not only to increase knowledge on business theory, but also to enhance your ability as a business

professional. An evening format really allows students to continuously connect their profession with their program.

Full-time programs offer a lot of great features to students looking to transition in their careers, but you cannot beat the format of being a fully invested student within a part-time flexible program. Your understanding of the concepts presented is enhanced and the conversation within the classroom is much more active and engaging.

Affording flexibility Finally, the last major advantage to programs that offer a flexible evening schedule is that even though you are intending to stay within your organization, you can still network with the rest of your classmates. In a part-time format, this is a huge advantage because there may be classmates you meet who are in positions that are desirable and their advice is invaluable.

In this instance, you can continue

to work full-time, while keeping an ear out to new opportunities that may arise.

Your ability to perform on a group project or presentation could impress a classmate looking to fill an important role and your next opportunity may pop up unexpectedly. The best part is, you could be on campus or online and still have the ability to interact with classmates who can open doors to your future career.

In today’s environment, you don’t want to be mobile; you have to be. What better way to enhance your profile than a graduate degree from a university?

A live, online classroom that is part of the campus classroom is a huge advantage with the technology available. You can study at a top school even if it is located further than a short drive from your home. n

By Michael Tarantino, Director, Graduate Admissions & Recruitment, Lehigh University, College of Business & Economics

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10 |

EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | INSIGHT

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Career-Specific Educations Launch Careers and Keep Companies Competitive General Assembly CEO Jake Schwartz weighs in on careerbolstering education and why modern employers should prioritize it in their workers.

In today’s rapidly changing workplace, whether you’re looking to advance your career or just starting out, the more up-to-date career education you have in your field, the more marketable you are.

“For those who are looking to find relevant and meaningful work, it’s key to continue developing current skills and learning new ones,” says Jake Schwartz, CEO of global learning experience company General Assembly.

But most busy professionals hoping to change or advance their careers don’t have time to go back to school to add a skill set to their resume, and people looking to start a rewarding career might not have the time or money to invest in a traditional brick-andmortar education.

While traditional educations are expensive, lengthy and require students to take courses unrelated to their careers or interests, career-specific educations offer an affordable alternative to finding a

fulfilling career that takes less time and money while focusing in on the students’ areas of interest.

Skills for a fulfilling career Available online, at traditional colleges and at vocational/trade schools, career-specific education grants certificates, certifications and badges, as well as offering professional development and continuing education courses so students can pursue their dream careers while keeping their skills up to date.

“These classes are designed to help improve skills or teach a new skill entirely to a student who’s looking to change careers,” Schwartz explains.

General Assembly’s coursework spans skill sets that include data, design, marketing and UX, and they offer a variety of experiences, ranging from multi-week long courses to one-time, shorter workshops. Not every individual or student is the same, nor do they have the same interests or goals.

“For someone who is interested in exploring a new topic or needs a quick overview to help support them in their current role, workshops are an easy one-time

commitment,” he says. “For those looking to make a career change, often the part-time or full-time courses are the best route. With our global campuses and community, we can empower people with the skills they need to pursue the work they love.”

Empowering employees Just as continuing education courses can help job seekers find a more fulfilling career, it can also be an important tool to help employers to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Schwartz says the changing workplace and growing tech economy have created an increased workplace demand for individuals with skills in tech, design, data and business to support growth and help companies stay competitive.

He believes arming employees with those skills is the best way to cultivate a best-in-class workforce.

“The current shelf life of technological skills is less than five years, making it critical for employers to encourage lifelong learning in order to remain competitive,” he says, adding that employers can send their employees to these courses online and in person, as well as bring General Assembly in for on-site training.

If professional development programs are not already part of a company, Schwartz concedes it can seem daunting to approach the boss about implementing them.

But research indicates companies who offer their employees continuing education classes end up saving in the long-term, as well as building a loyal employee base.

“Employers report a high ROI and large savings on retention for current employees and use this benefit as a work perk when recruiting new ones,” he says. “It costs an estimated 16-20 percent of an employee’s annual salary to replace the worker, so it pays to invest in your current workforce.”

Ultimately, if the career education course is vital to the job and will help the employee do it better — or more efficiently — there is a strong case to ask for it. “In this digital age, lifelong learning is more important than ever,” Schwartz says. “It’s what will help businesses and individuals stay competitive and in high demand in whatever they do.” n

By Paula Andruss

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