Volume 1, Issue 15
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
The landscape of post-secondary education is ever-changing. This week’s articles address the change we see within the delivery of programs both at the high school and college levels. There are also some terrific articles on U.S. HBCUs and on financial aid at U.S. colleges. Enjoy!
Discoveries
More than one way to transition from high school to the real world
It is becoming more evident by the day that the entire college system is evolving. An exciting part of this movement is that more options are being created for young adults as they graduate from high school and embark on their next journey, including those outside the normal post-secondary path. Mila Koumpilova, for Chalkbeat, reports on the resurgence of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in schools.
In urban districts, a new embrace of career and technical programs
A wide range of higher education institutions
Many people may not know it but there are roughly 5,300 colleges and universities in the United States. Of those, the long-standing minority-based organizations, Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are thriving. Dr. Christine Johnson, President of Saint Augustine’s University shares more in a recent Op-ed article in Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
HBCUs Are More Relevant than Ever
Money, money, money: How knowledge is power
The number one question when it comes to young adults pursuing post-secondary education is always how am I going to pay for it? One of the focus points college counselors need to emphasize is ensuring that students and families understand the importance of the critical first step in acquiring financial aid in the U.S. It all begins with the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). Jessica Dickler of CNBC explains how it all starts with understanding the basics.
75% of families don’t know a key date to get financial aid for college
Higher education: The great reassessment
It is no secret that millions of students have been affected by the changes colleges and universities had to implement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now many of those alterations are here to stay and it may be necessary for the higher education system to transform even further to serve students. Jason Wingard, President of Temple University in an Op-ed article for Inside Higher Ed explains why the transformation is necessary.
And here is a bonus article on the topic as well from William Behre in Trib Live:
William Behre: Higher ed must transform to match needs of 21st century
Tip of the week
The changing landscape of higher education instruction
Each week I continue to share the trends in higher education as to what students can expect when returning to campuses this fall. One major change is that despite moving beyond the pandemic, colleges and universities are going to be continuing hybrid learning. As schools move to a more normal academic environment, students will find that there will be classes offered both in-person and online. While online delivery was not widely preferred, students need to understand colleges have embraced it to deliver certain classes and academic content.
My advice to students is to accept this new trend and embrace the movement. I strongly encourage students to develop online class-taking skills by taking a trial online class before they enter a university. Within it, they can embrace the value of the syllabus, perfect the use of discussion boards, understand the requirements for class participation, and practice interacting with classmates in a virtual environment. Experimenting with a trial class will prepare students to be successful in their post-secondary education classes.
Try it, you might like it. You can start here: https://www.mooc.org/
Before you go...
There are times in life when we are reminded how important it is that we watch out for each other and take care of each other. There is no greater example of this than a life or death situation that took place at a recent basketball game in Jamestown, New York. It is truly a feel-good moment. Steve Hartman reports for CBS News.
The topics covered in our Odyssey Newsletter are a small assortment of the vast quantity of information that is published each week. Our Discoveries section provides a snapshot of what is happening in the world of higher education. The Tip of the week is always a suggestion from us to help students with the college-going process. And finally, the Before you go segment is normally a story that strikes my fancy and that I want others to experience too.
As much as I enjoy sharing this information with each of you, please forward it on as well, and let’s work together in educating others about what is happening in higher education and beyond.
Enjoy your week ahead and let’s take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we all are.
Mr. Mike