| Popis: |
Studies and opinions on the future of higher education in the United States have become a true cottage industry. A new book or a new policy proposal seems to appear every week. Most of the attention has focused on the undergraduate experience, especially in regard to costs, content, delivery, and outcomes. For example, outstanding student loans total roughly $1 trillion, and federal grants have increased from $6.4 billion in 1981 to $49 billion today. Despite this massive increase in federal support, the costs of higher education have increased at a rapid pace, making it beyond the reach of many middle class families without financial aid and loans. Given the high costs, students, families, and employers are beginning to question the value of many courses and degrees. Are graduates prepared to be good citizens as well as to be employable? The opportunity for disruption is now apparent, as both students and employers pursue new education delivery systems, such as massively open online courses. Although the initial frenzy for these courses may have abated, the "unbundling" of the residential college experience is well underway as students combine various offerings from different sources into a personalized education and universities struggle to respond. |
