In College 1.0, the basic unit is the course. In College 2.0, the basic unit will be a competency (or better, a demonstration of readiness. Courses don't go away, but they take on a supporting role. Courses are preparatory sessions for demonstrations of readiness in College 2.0.
Is there a model for this? I think there is. Western Governors University is an accredited, non-profit institution that provides distance learning and advanced degrees using such a model. Here's a quote from WGU's website:
"At WGU you aren't forced to take required courses about subjects you already know. Instead, WGU's competency-based education model requires you to demonstrate your knowledge through carefully designed assessments, which measure progress in your degree program. The assessments (tests, assignments, etc.) are definitely not "easy," but you can progress toward your degree as rapidly as you can demonstrate your knowledge."1
But can that model be applied at the community college level? I think there are parallels that can be explored. WGU not only acknowledges but presumes its students begin with varying levels of experience and competence. Their enrollment counselors and mentoring program are designed to determine an individual's best path toward the degree. We at Edison are adopting the Individualized Learning Plan philosophy (the need is a bit ahead of the tools right now, but don't get me started on that), and new programs such as the Adult College Experience concept help students maximize their experience and minimize class time through portfolio credit and proficiency testing.
In fact, I would suggest that the community college is the perfect environment for such a model, as opposed to a residential four-year school, where the "experience" of the campus is as important as the instruction.
The key, of course, is the design of the demonstrations - be they tests, assignments, portfolios, what have you. But well designed demonstrations of competence (or readiness) also take us down the path toward accountability - on our terms.
--Brad
posted by Brad Reed @ 2:04 PM
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