Revolutionizing Higher Education Through Affordable Access

by Presidents Forum | Dec 9, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Underserved Communities, Working Learners

Revolutionizing Higher Education Through Affordable Access

Why It Matters

As higher education costs soar and student debt becomes a crisis, BYU Pathway demonstrates how technology and innovative models can dramatically reduce costs while maintaining educational quality.

The Big Picture

BYU Pathway Worldwide has revolutionized affordable higher education by offering ultra-low-cost degrees on a global scale. U.S. bachelor’s degrees are available for just $6,200, while international tuition can be as low as $300 in Africa. The online university has achieved significant reach, serving 75,000 students across 180 countries, with international students comprising 65% of the student body. Despite its cost-effective model, the institution maintains educational quality through industry-experienced instructors who focus primarily on teaching rather than research.

How They do it

No physical campus
Adjunct instructors from global markets
AI-assisted grading system
Peer mentoring
Three-year degree format
Volunteer support network

Distance Education Expert Phil Hill Shares Insights on Industry Evolution

by Presidents Forum | Nov 25, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Working Learners

Distance Education Expert Phil Hill Shares Insights on Industry Evolution

Why it matters

Small institutions have struggled to create sustainable online programs due to restrictive policies, but upcoming changes could open new opportunities.

The big picture

While online education isn’t new, evolving policies and emerging technologies are poised to reshape the landscape.

Key developments

Policy shifts are expected to focus less on consumer protection and more on expanding alternative academic programs
Generative AI could revolutionize educational access and personalization in ways not yet imagined

Between the lines

Hill compares the potential impact of generative AI to that of the internet, suggesting fundamental changes to online education’s underlying assumptions.

College presidents see AI as key to personalizing education

by Presidents Forum | Nov 21, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Working Learners

College presidents see AI as key to personalizing education

Why it matters

AI could revolutionize how institutions deliver personalized learning experiences and prepare students for the workforce.

The big picture

Higher education leaders envision AI transforming education through customized learning paths and enhanced student support.

Key opportunities

•Tailoring coursework to individual interests and learning styles

• Creating AI-powered tutoring systems

• Enabling multi-language learning experiences

• Providing real-time feedback to faculty

• Developing more effective assessment methods

Between the lines

Leaders emphasize AI’s potential to adapt content to students’ personal experiences while maintaining academic rigor.

The bottom line

AI tools could help institutions better meet individual student needs while ensuring they develop workforce-ready skills.

Keeping Semiconductor Engineering Programs Cutting-Edge

by Presidents Forum | Nov 20, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Partner, Working Learners

Keeping Semiconductor Engineering Programs Cutting-Edge

Why it matters

As the semiconductor industry rapidly evolves, universities must adapt their programs to meet industry needs and prepare students for the workforce.

Strategies for staying cutting-edge

Key strategies for keeping semiconductor engineering programs cutting-edge include faculty-industry collaboration, the use of augmented and virtual reality to enhance training and reduce clean room time, curriculum sharing across institutions, and upskilling programs that focus on transferable STEM skills. Transferring credits across state lines would also increase educational flexibility and broaden opportunities for students.

The bottom line

Collaboration between academia and industry, coupled with innovative teaching methods and flexible educational pathways, is crucial for maintaining cutting-edge semiconductor engineering programs.

AI in Higher Ed: Personalization Promise and Pitfalls

by Presidents Forum | Nov 18, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability

AI in Higher Ed: Personalization Promise and Pitfalls

Rio Salado College President Kate Smith sees AI as a tool to personalize education:

AI could tailor curriculum to students’ interests and backgrounds
It could apply course content using examples relevant to each student
This personalization could increase engagement and learning outcomes

Why it matters

Customized learning experiences could make education more effective and appealing to diverse student populations.

Yes, but

President Smith also emphasizes the need to address AI risks like data security and inherent biases.

The big picture

Higher education leaders are exploring how to leverage AI’s benefits while mitigating potential downsides.

Presidents Forum Guiding Values

by Presidents Forum | Nov 8, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Underserved Communities, Working Learners

Presidents Forum Guiding Values

Why it matters

The Presidents Forum is reshaping higher education with a focus on working learners and transparent, innovative practices.

The big picture

Executive Director Wesley Smith outlines three core values that set the Presidents Forum apart:

Putting students first: Prioritizing student success above all, especially for “working learners” with diverse needs.
Transparency: Evaluating institutions based on the financial value they provide to students and advocating for regulatory parity in distance education.
Accountable innovation: Fostering innovation that directly enhances student success, not just for its own sake.

What’s next

The Presidents Forum invites collaboration and partnership to continue reshaping higher education for today’s learners.