Sample EDU505 Vision for Education 2017

7/29/2019 Sample EDU505 Vision for Education 2017

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Running head: FUTURE 1

Post University: Future of Online Learning

Your Name

Post University

Your Instructor


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FUTURE 2

Introduction

Post University is a for-profit educational organization with an online program for non-

traditional students. With the help of educational technology, economics, budget, public policy,

and demographics, this organization hopes to be on the forefront of online education with the

help of futuring in regards to scanning and various scenarios. Post University will be a pillar of

the online community and will adapt to challenges and opportunities to come in 2017.

Past and Present

The future of education, specifically higher education, is online learning. At the forefront

of online education is Post University. Since the schools founding in 1890, it has prided itself on

guiding, training, and providing educational needs to students looking to prosper in their careers.

(Post University, Inc., 2013). Starting as a shorthand school, to a business college, then a junior

college, and in anticipation of growth, partnered with Teikyo Japan, forming Teikyo Post

University, this grew into an official four year college, which became Post University in 2004,

and finally a university with an established accelerated degree program over the internet in 1996

(Post University, Inc., 2013).

Post has become the largest provider of fully online higher education programs in

Connecticut with a rapidly growing presence throughout the United States and internationally

all while maintaining its commitment to preparing today's students for tomorrow's careers (Post

University, Inc., 2013). The main population that Post reaches starts as young as 18 years old to

as old as 69 years old, the age of their eldest graduate in the class of 2012 (Mroz, 2012). Within

that age group, Post Universitys online program has the potential of reaching 234,564,071

people in the United States ages 18 years and over (Howden & Meyer, 2011). Although it is a


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growing university, realistically Post will not reach that number, however, accelerated degree

programs offered online will continue to grow, not just at Post, but all over the world.

Post Universitys mission statement is to provide students with the knowledge, personal

skills and experiences required to become leaders in their chosen careers. We prepare students to

become confident, competent, and competitive participants in the global market place (Post

University, Inc., 2013). This statement reaches the 12,208 student body population, of which

11,084 are enrolled in the online program (Post University, Inc., 2012). Post Universitys Class

of 2012 had a total of 794 graduates of which 689 were part of the online program from 44 states

as well as 7 international students from Canada, China, and South Africa (Mroz, 2012). With that

mission statement in mind along with the numbers from the most recent graduation it looks as

though the university is successfully serving their students as well as faculty because without

either, that graduation rate would not have been what it was.

Educational Technology

An educational technology trend that will play a role in online learning at Post University

in 2017 is the consumption of multiple technologies by young people. It appears to be

increasingly the case that young people have a distinctly multi-tasking relationship with new

technologies, and a multiple consumption approach to owning them (Becta, 2008, p. 8). The

younger generation today has a very strong relationship with technological advances, which is

not surprising. What is surprising is that how far reaching this advancement has gone (Becta,

2008, p. 8).

Economics, Budget, and Public Policy

The tuition trend stands to have the greatest influence over the vision of education for

Post University in 2017. For many institutions, tuition is the primary source of annual revenue


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and can represent up to 80% or more of the operating budget (Betts, Hartman et al. 2009).

Students are constantly dealing with the conflicts of rising tuition and by 2017, if the cost keeps

increasing, students may face an even bigger problem, reaching their aggregate loan limits. The

National Center for Educational Statistics (2009) research shows that in the 2007-2008 school

year, 65.6% of all undergraduate students received some form of government aid and 79.5% of

them were attending full-time. Once these students reach their lifetime loan limit they will have

to pay their remaining expenses out-of-pocket. The costs of tuition by 2017 will determine

whether changes need to be made within government support or if tuition costs need to be

revisited according to the economic trends in that time period. This leads to the next trend that

plays a significant role; government funding to state university systems.

State universities are traditionally funded by state tax revenue, and with several large

states with notorious university systems such as California and New York expecting deficits in

the billions next year, funding for higher education will become increasingly scarce (Betts,

Hartman & Oxholm, II, 2009). As the funds are reduced, so will the quality and innovation of the

state university system, leading students to seek high-quality education opportunities

elsewhere. This is where for-profit universities like Post will come in. Due the investment

background, money that is generated by the university is reinvested into the quality of the

courses offered, including promoting research teams to develop new degree plans, and leading

the way in the online university revolution that is occurring around the nation (National Center

for the Study of Privatization in Education, 2012). As states continue to cut funds, it will be

critical for for-profit universities to fill the void with high quality, cutting edge education. The

largest challenge for online universities is offering degrees that are high quality, which is where

Post Universitys advantage truly factors in.


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Demographics

In developing Post Universitys vision for 2017, the scenario in which college is currently

viewedwill be out the out. Traditional campuses may not disappear by 2017, but it could be

the start of a new vision of what college is and where it gets us. Trends in demographics support

that scenario quite well, most significantly, the growth of nontraditional or adult learners. The

day when a high school graduate can transition directly to college may be passing us by. A down

economy, more expensive college tuition, and increased need for employment during and

immediately after high school, continue to curb the number of students able to make this

transition. The result is continuing education after a delay. In 2002, a full 73 percent of students

may be viewed as nontraditional (Choy, 2002). Ross-Gordon (2011) describes the

nontraditional category as containing one of the following: entry to college after a least one year

following high school, having dependents, being a single parent, being employed full time, being

financially independent, attending part time, and not having a high school diploma. As we

continue to see stressors in society increase, the adult learner, as well as the nontraditional

student, will dominate college enrollments. By 2017, schools that have failed to adapt to this

changing demographic will struggle. Schools like Post, with strong online offerings and good

reputations, will flourish as their target demographic continues to grow.

With the adult learner and nontraditional student population growth, the high school

completion rate has also increased significantly. There has been a continual decrease in the

percentage of students who dropped out of high school between 1975 and 2006 (National

Center for Education Statistics, 2007). Decades ago, completing high school was the educational

goal for many Americans. Now it is merely a step to reaching the goal of completing college.

As high school completion rates increase, college enrollment will increase. This is the


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continuation of the shift from high school to college being the minimum requirement by societal

employment standards. It is generally accepted that high school graduation and normal

progression are meaningful measures of educational success (Yates, 2008). The trend of

educational success suggests that by 2017, college attendance will have increased and college

rates will increase as a result. Simply put, there will be more available students from both high

school and non-traditional routes available and seeking colleges that can cater to their specific

needs.

Futuring with Scenarios

An easy way to look at scenarios is to think of trends, while keeping in mind that most

trends change and they may not proceed in the fashion that we expected them to, which is where

intuition comes in to develop new scenarios (Cornish, 2004, p.93). Preparing for the future is not

an easy task with the endless realms of possibilities. Tomorrow may seem clear, but looking too

far ahead may lead to apprehensiveness. Four years of time includes incalculable circumstances,

especially when technology is factored in, there are scenarios that cannot even be weighed in on

yet, but organizations, especially educational organizations, need to prepare for it. Scenarios start

...by clarifying the decisions to be made, rigorously challenging the mental maps that shape

peoples perceptions, and hunting and gathering information from various sources (Mietzner &

Reger, 2005). Being specific is certainly positive, and will give a clear focus and path to work

from. The broadness of multiple scenarios will give a much needed perspective rather than a

single idea. The greatest con of scenarios would be to not think of the future whatsoever; having

something to work from is better than nothing at all. The future of education is upon the nation

and the world as a whole. Factoring in numerous scenarios would be in the best interest of

educational organizations because they need to be prepared for inevitable changes.


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Futuring with Scanning

In 2030, a connectivist world will allow students to learn as readily outside a classroom

as within it (Berry, 2010, p.18). One way this conclusion could have been drawn is through the

practice of scanning, which is based on the surveying of media outlets such as newspapers,

magazines, and websites, to link changes that may impact the future. Scanning is thought of as

the effort to identify and understand those phenomena or aspects of the world that are most

relevant to the people or groups who need this information for important decisions (Cornish,

2004, p.81). There is only so much analysis and planning to evaluate significant changes.

Scanning can help draw conclusions, and like scenarios, help educational organizations

understand the future.

Post University 2017

Futuring, using scenarios and scanning, can yield significant benefits. In education,

where public opinion, government support, and business pressures often collide, being prepared

for the future is critical. Sobrero (2004) states that effective futuring will lead to higher quality

decision-making, more proactive modes of anticipating change, superior ranking of program

priorities, and increased abilities to position assets to address emerging issues. Post University

will stand as the premier online university in the United States; admired and copied by numerous

other schools. It will establish that position primarily by being a leader in the trend of educating

non-traditional students (dominating the marketplace), and proactively solving funding issues

positioned to cripple the collegiate world.

Post University has already established itself as a quality, credible online university with

a dedication to being a pillar in the community, a leader in non-traditional education, and an

innovator with funding for education through a commitment to change and an understanding of


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where to focus. Understanding the demographic trends that shape education will ensure that Post

University will remain attractive to non-traditional students as well as the growing population of

high school graduates. In regards to funding, Post will use their creative resources, strength of

enrollment revenues, reputation for innovation, and for-profit freedoms, to develop funding and

aid scenarios for students who, through the government, cannot receive enough aid to go to

college.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of the greatest challenges Post University faces in the coming years is competition.

With the competitiveness of online education, Post needs to focus the future scenario on a

constant, increasing revenue stream, and with the increase in competition there may be a

negative effect to such revenue. However, there is a plus side to competition, it does bring added

attention to the industry and if online education can stay strong in the public eye then it could, in

turn, increase revenue for Post. With added attention there could potentially be another

challenge; reputation. If the reputation is bad then that will certainly affect enrollments, but Post

University built their reputation on quality and it is important that this is kept in focus. If quality

is compromised then so is enrollment; opportunity lies in reputation. The industrys reputation as

a whole also has the potential to devalue online education and with Post Universitys goal of

becoming the pillar of online education, the industry needs to remain honest and ethical.

Government funding also poses a challenge to the future of online education, especially if

funding is decreased or cut completely. However, if funding is increased then Post would

potentially see higher enrollment. Enrollments, of course, will be affected in either scenario. The

way society views college is quite possibly the most significant challenge that Post University

faces. A poor job market and a challenged economy will change what a family feels is a priority


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and that could lead to a change in the overall value of college. Training on job sites rather than

paying for someone with a college education may prove to be more profitable for employers, but

Post could build business partnerships that could benefit their graduates.

Preparing for Change

Being prepared for change can make or break an organization; it can be slow and

unmanageable as an organization grows. Post University needs to commit to future change and

handle it in a way that will be successful. How they can prepare:

1. Commit to a vision of Post University in 2017 or more specifically, branding strategy thatbuilds on their reputation for innovation, being technologically driven, and a non-

traditional student friendly university.

2. Invest in technology to make sure the online presence reflects the image they want topresent.

3. Offer more courses to attract a greater number of students. 4.

Make content and subject matter of courses more relevant to the growing non-traditional

student population to make their learning more realistic.

5. Develop scholarships and/or private loans to better assist those students who havedifficulties with government aid.

If these changes do not occur to prepare for the future of online education at Post University then

they will be overlooked and other schools will go on to be the premier provider of online

education.

Call to Action

For Post University to acquire their desired image in 2017 they need to act today. To start

on the path to 2017 they first need to develop a scholarship fund for non-traditional learners to


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have access to. With Post being a for-profit school, their executives can meet and decide what

portion of earnings or investments that will go towards this scholarship fund each fiscal year as

well as decide the parameters that must be met to qualify for these scholarships. Since funding

and tuition seems to be a growing problem, a commitment needs to be made to promote not only

Post University, but education as a whole. Another scenario that should be implemented

immediately to prepare for 2017 is a tuition discount of some sort to undergraduate students who

maintain a minimum grade point average. This would promote enrollment as well as build a solid

reputation and retention rate for Post, which is very important for an online school that wants to

maintain credibility. These steps will continue to build on the quality and reputation that Post

University wants to maintain and build and with 2017 right around the corner, changes need to

be made today.


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References

Becta. (2008).Research to support the delivery and development of Harnessing Technology:

Next Generation Learning 200814. Retrieved from Analysis of emerging trends

affecting the use of technology in education: http://post.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-1207177-dt-content-rid-

13402293_1/courses/EDU505.901198020059/Unit%205/Analysis%20of%20Emerging%

20Trends%20Research%20Report.pdf

Berry, B. (2010). The Teachers of 2030: Creating a Student-Centered Profession for the 21st

Century. Center for Teaching Quality.

Betts, K., Hartman, K., & Oxholm, II, C. (2009). Re-examining & repositioning higher

education: Twenty economic and demographic factors driving online and blended

program enrollments. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 13(4), 3-23.

Choy, Susan. 2002. Findings from the Condition of Education 2002: Nontraditional

Undergraduates. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics.

http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2002/analyses/nontraditional/index.asp

Cornish, E. (2004). Futuring: The Explorations of the Future. Bethesda: World Future Society.

Howden, L. M., & Meyer, J. A. (2011, May). Age and Sex Composition: 2010. Retrieved from

Census:http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdf

Mietzner, D., & Reger, G. (2005). Advantages and disadvantages of scenario approaches forstrategic foresight.Int. J. Technology Intelligence and Planning, 220-239.

Mroz, P. D. (2012, April 30). Some Post University 2012 graduation statistics. Retrieved from

Post University Blog:http://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-

statistics.html

National Center for Education Statistics. (2007),Digest of education statistics. Washington,

DC: U.S. Department of Education.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2009). Web tables: undergraduate financial aid

estimates by type of institution in 2007-2008. (NCES2009-201). Retrieved February 14,2013, fromhttp://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009201.pdf

National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education. (2012). For-profit schools. Retrieved

fromhttp://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_What_profit_schools/?page=2

Post University, Inc. (2012). Post University: Online Fast Facts. Retrieved from Post University:

http://www.post.edu/online/downloads/adp_fast_facts.pdf
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2002/analyses/nontraditional/index.asphttp://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdfhttp://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-statistics.htmlhttp://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-statistics.htmlhttp://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-statistics.htmlhttp://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-statistics.htmlhttp://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009201.pdfhttp://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009201.pdfhttp://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009201.pdfhttp://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_What_profit_schools/?page=2http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_What_profit_schools/?page=2http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_What_profit_schools/?page=2http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_What_profit_schools/?page=2http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009201.pdfhttp://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-statistics.htmlhttp://blog.post.edu/2012/04/university-2012-graduation-statistics.htmlhttp://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdfhttp://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2002/analyses/nontraditional/index.asp


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Post University, Inc. (2013, January).About Post University: History. Retrieved from Post

University: http://www.post.edu/maincampus/history.shtml

Post University, Inc. (2013, January).About Post University: Mission Statement. Retrieved from

Post University: http://www.post.edu/maincampus/mission.shtml

Ross-Gordon, J. M. (2011). Research on adult learners: supporting the needs of a student

population that is no longer nontraditional. [Article]. Peer Review, 13(1), 26-29.

Sobrero, P. M. (2004), Futuring: The implementation of anticipatory excellence. Journal of

Extension [On-line], 42(2). Available at:http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/index.shtml

Yates, J. R. (2008). Demographic imperatives for educational reform for culturally and

linguistically diverse students. [Article].Multiple Voices for Ethnically Diverse

Exceptional Learners, 4-12.

Link to my PLE:http://highereducationpreparation.com/Welcome/
http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/index.shtmlhttp://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/index.shtmlhttp://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/index.shtmlhttp://highereducationpreparation.com/Welcome/http://highereducationpreparation.com/Welcome/http://highereducationpreparation.com/Welcome/http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/index.shtml

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Sample EDU505 Vision for Education 2017