American higher education must reinvent itself
Here is a guest column by Mohammad Bhuiyan, the 2011-12 ACE Fellow at the University System of Georgia and Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship at Fayetteville State University
By Mohammad Bhuiyan
The American higher-education system is running on an unsustainable business model of raising tuition and fees to cover declining government and private funding. In addition, most of the academic community is in denial about the potential of technology and other emerging factors.
Ten years ago, online classes and degrees were considered low-quality, and most workplaces didn’t even recognize the diplomas. Today, online courses and programs are both important and ubiquitous. According to the Pew Research Center, about half of all college courses are now available online. The new generation of students is in many ways more interested in online classes than traditional classrooms.
The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that venture capitalists have poured about $500 million over the last few years into education-technology start-ups, trying to cash in on a market they see as ripe for a digital makeover.
There is a very real possibility that one-third of all the traditional colleges and universities will go out of business by 2025 due to merger, consolidation, acquisition and bankruptcy.
During the last 10 months as I traveled around Georgia and the country and met with state university system heads, campus presidents and other education leaders, it was fascinating to see that so many of them agreed that the future of higher education is shifting rapidly, but few are in a position to take serious steps to do anything significantly different and promptly to stay ahead of the curve.
I heard repeatedly that students don’t learn anything online, online graduates will never get a job, and that face-to-face is the best way to learn.
While Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Michigan, and many other big players are getting on board the online education train, only a handful of universities in Georgia have programs in place to keep up with the changing environment. It is comforting that the new state system leadership is getting serious about this matter and has started taking appropriate steps to improve the situation.
The technology is already available to create a virtual classroom with students and professors from anywhere in the world.
The need for physical classrooms will be so lessened that many campuses will have to dismantle old buildings to save on energy and lease their empty buildings to private businesses to cover other costs.
Until now, the United States has had the best higher-education system in the world. However, the U.S. has been ranked as one of the lowest in k-12 education of top 20 developed countries. Georgia is known for its poor performances when it comes to its high school graduation rate and SAT scores.
As we continue to produce poorly prepared k-12 students, eventually these shortcomings will impact our higher-education ranking as well.
In addition, as the political pressure mounts on U.S. higher education institutions to increase their completion rates from 39 percent to 60 percent by 2020, federal, state, and local funding are being drastically cut. That means most institutions will have to water down their quality to meet targets.
Even then, a 60 percent completion rate via traditional means of higher education is impossible.
While Brazil, Russia, India, China and the rest of the world are making huge investments in their education sectors, a significant percentage of the population and politicians here are questioning the value of higher education and its high cost.
The opportunity to retain the slogan “American Higher Education is the Best” is slipping away.
Georgia and American educators, leaders, policy makers, and politicians must wake up and take drastic, outside-the-box, new measures immediately, to save not just our education system, but our states’ and country’s future as well.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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74 comments Add your comment
bootney farnsworth
July 29th, 2012
5:06 pm
@ michael
reform doesn’t occur because deep down we don’t want it to occur
Prof
July 29th, 2012
5:45 pm
@ Ole Guy, July 29th, 4:07 pm.
I agree with you.
Michael
July 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
@bootney farnsworth
When you say “we” I think you mean “I”. The people I work with, including myself, would love to see things improve. We just don’t believe the current reform models are working. By statistical measures, however flawed, I’d say we’re right. We are not lazy, nor are we satisfied with the status quo. I work twelve hours a day during the school year and Sundays too and its not because I don’t want reform to occur.
taco taco
July 29th, 2012
6:49 pm
I know this is off topic but I am prepare for the upcoming school year. I teach HS. I would like to know any good ideas on how to nip the student cell phone issue in the butt early in the year. What are your feelings about student cell phone use? What meaningful consequences can I implement that discourages the use of them in the classroom? I know cellphones and teenagers are tied to the hip so it is a tough issue. Again, sorry to be off topic here, but any good suggestions would be appreciated.
Prof
July 29th, 2012
6:58 pm
@ taco taco. If it’s any consolation, that’s a problem in college classrooms too.
Ole Guy
July 29th, 2012
10:30 pm
Prof, as much as it pains me to say this…THANKS FOR YOUR REMARK. (wince!)
OK
July 29th, 2012
11:18 pm
@taco taco
Maybe a new approach is required. Try finding ways to incorporate the use of cell phones in your instruction. This would be fun for your students. Of course you would need a throwaway phone. Just a thought.
bootney farnsworth
July 29th, 2012
11:26 pm
sorry Mike,
the we in question is the people of the state of Georgia.
the ballot box doesn’t lie
bootney farnsworth
July 29th, 2012
11:29 pm
@ taco,
its a major problem at GPC. assuming your administration will back you, you can make it class policy the phones must be turned off and put away upon entering class. failure to do so can result in removal from class and a one way ticket to whoever handles your disipline.
Lee
July 29th, 2012
11:37 pm
ROFLMAO. When I was in college, professors were preaching that computers were going to put the paper companies out of business. The reality is that computers are the best thing that could have happened to them.
I would say that colleges hiring professors from India who don’t have a clue what the hell they are talking about is going to be more of a detriment than technology. But, ‘ol Mohammad is right about one thing, colleges raising tuition at about five times the rate of inflation is an unsustainable business model – it’s all fun and games until the fed runs out of money for student loans and that Ponzi scheme comes crashing down….
Lee
July 29th, 2012
11:42 pm
Speaking of yet another failed government reform movement, I’m surprised Maureen isn’t all over Obummers “White House Initiative on Educational Excellence”
His July 26 executive order established a government panel to promote “a positive school climate that does not rely on methods that result in disparate use of disciplinary tools.”
“African Americans lack equal access to highly effective teachers and principals, safe schools, and challenging college-preparatory classes, and they disproportionately experience school discipline,” said the order, titled “White House Initiative On Educational Excellence.”
So, teachers, get ready for the NAACP and ACLU to get even more into your business as you will not be able to deal with the black discipline problem students – that is, unless you start suspending Asian and White students for trivial matters just so the numbers work out right.
Another comment
July 30th, 2012
1:03 am
I am so greatful that I stood up for myself and went to a University in a major city that was 6-8 hrs from home. I was lucky to attend a private university on scholarships, Pell grant, work study and around $12000 in student loans. 95 percent of the students lived on campus. No ridiculous PE was required for graduation, but two Philosopy and three Religion (including comparative world Religions) were required to graduate. The biggest common denominator from every professor was college is about learning to be a critical thinker.
On-line classes and degrees do not allow for the critical thinker to emerge. When solving problems is reduced to choice a,b,c or d rather than the show all your work for partial credit to solve a mathematic or engineering problem. We will loose our innovation without the ability to think critically.
I was th TA for a 4th year Mechanical engineering class that was taught both at the main campus and via distAnce learning 29 years ago, to a major Midwestern city. The professor refused to give me the grading key to any homework or tests. Distance learning 29 years ago, was the professors lectures were taped and then fed via a Universtity television system to the night students in Indy. I had never taken the class before. I use to figure out the answers by grouping the same or similar answers together on my studio apt floor to try and determine the answers. Not the most scientific method. Neither I nor the professors ever got a complaint from the distance learning students. On the other hand the traditional students sure tracked, me down on campus or even showing up at my apt. Door when they had questions. My conclusion was the distance learners were just going through the motions looking for the paper degree. How could you not question my grading, I had no key, did not take the class or it’s equivalent ever, and was basically guessing at the answers based on what answer got the most students giving the same one.
redweather
July 30th, 2012
6:48 am
@taco, As others have mentioned, cellphones can be a problem in college classrooms as well. I let my students know on the first day of class that their phones must be off when class begins and must stay off until class ends. If I notice them using their phone in class I send them an email warning. After that they lose class participation points each time I see them using their phone. They can lose up to 10 points from their grade for the semester. This rather draconian solution works for me, but I’m not sure if it would in high school.
redweather
July 30th, 2012
6:49 am
@OK, So how would you use a cellphone to supplement classroom instruction?
Steven Reid Harbin
July 30th, 2012
6:50 am
Michael – comment @ 6:30 am. Excellent post, I agree with the individual who posted that you should expand it and the AJC should print it.
An Accidential Professor
July 30th, 2012
9:02 am
@Another Comment- I am concerned that you have made your determination about distance learning based on a limited sample from thirty years ago. I am further concerned that your university allowed you as a TA who had no experience with the class to make grade determinations. To make a blanket statement that distance learning does not allow for “critical thinking to emerge” is quite a generalization. As an academic researcher I try to avoid generalizations.
I would argue that in my survey class of eighty students it is difficult for critical thinking to emerge because the students lack individualized attention. However, I consistently have students that exceed my expectations as evidenced by their written work. I believe this is due to their individual motivations which is the same for distance learners. Some will embrace their program and seek a complete learning experience while others will simply try to get by. This is a problem with college students in general and not limited to distance learners.
Ron F.
July 30th, 2012
9:58 am
“On-line classes and degrees do not allow for the critical thinker to emerge. When solving problems is reduced to choice a,b,c or d rather than the show all your work for partial credit to solve a mathematic or engineering problem. We will loose our innovation without the ability to think critically.”
Actually, that’s not true. I took online courses that were research paper based, and had no multiple guess tests. For me, it required lots of critical thinking because I had to dig and find support for my answers in texts and online. The course had textbooks, with specific questions to answer that required discussion and explanation. Online courses work well for independent learners who don’t need to hear someone tell them information or who don’t need live discussion. That’s one portion of the population. I think the best universities are offering both face-to-face classes and online classes so students can choose their best option. I’ve taught both kinds of kids, and I spend more time with the ones who need me while the ones who don’t can work ahead at their own pace. Kids and adults need that flexibility. I worked far harder for my online classes because I enjoyed the independence and writing to explain what I learned. Some don’t benefit from that and need face time with other students and a prof. Critical thinking, for me, was much more successful when I had the time to read, think, research, and discuss my answers in writing. It’s up to each student to figure out what works best.
Ole Guy
July 30th, 2012
10:16 am
Taco, (presumably) YOU are in charge of the classroom; YOU have first and last say in what goes on within the walls of that room. Anything less simply will not do. If them kids cannot muster the self-discipline to keep them damn things outa sight, collect ALL cell phones at the begining of class. I know this will put an extra burden on you, but if you do not establish yourself as HMIC/Head Mother_ _ _ _ _ _In Charge, YOU LOSE; THEY WIN.
I know scenarios, such as this, go on within schools, in just about every form and fashion. THIS, among a few other issues, is precisely why I realized, very early on, that teaching, as a 2nd career and I were about as compatible as oil and water. Not to go into the details…similar situations arose in my 5th grade class, whereupon the kid complained to the gd parents complained to the gd principal complained to the gd head teacher. I requested a three-way meeting…parent/teacher/principal whereupon I informed all that I and I alone was in charge. The only thing the kid had to do was learn to FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. Of course, this all went over like a turd in the punch bowl.
At the very real possibility of irritating a few folks out there (hello, Prof), your situation glaringly exemplifies the need for your profession to gain a collective voice. YOU, collectively, must establish yourselves as far more than the handmaidens of educational policy gone awry. YOU must (here we go, Prof) take control of your profession.
@Dawg x 2
July 30th, 2012
11:13 am
“I had an accounting professor at UGA who makes $350,000 a year and who was terrible.”
This is just a bold-faced lie. Tenured professors at Harvard, who are the best paid in the country, only make around $200K in salary.
I hope you’re not actually an accountant.
Prof
July 30th, 2012
12:25 pm
@ Ole Guy, 10:16 am [to Taco, Taco] : “YOU must (here we go, Prof) take control of your profession.”
Nobly, even stirringly stated. But what if Taco, Taco’s principal does not allow him/her to take the student cellphones away from them during class? Or discipline students for using them during class?
You’ve stated many times that you have had a military career. Are privates allowed to “take control of [their] profession”?
Gretchen
July 30th, 2012
3:57 pm
I teach both face-to-face an online classes at a college. Most online students get help with their tests, quizzes, and assignments. Overall, the online students learning is far below that of my face-to-face students who are not allowed to use notes, other students, etc. to help them on tests and quizzes. There is very little (or no) accountability with online classes. Our department only requires a proctored final with a 50% minimum score to earn a C or better (assuming the overall average is a C). Prior to that, there were no proctored exams, so anyone could be doing the work. I receive emails that I do not even understand because the writing is so poorly done. Many students can’t write a complete sentence, but they manage to get good grades in English classes. I have taught mathematics, English, science, and social studies in grades 6 through college over 42 years. A college degree is not even equivalent to someone graduating from my 8th grade class! Online classes are now economic and political necessities. They are economic tools in a world were quantity is far more important than quality in education. The consumer wants that degree, not the knowledge!
Really amazed
July 30th, 2012
9:47 pm
This is a no brainer!! I am sure it will be more than a third of colleges by 2025 that will be gone. Like I have said many times before… sad but brick and motar building to educate people will be a thing of the past. Technology WILL take over!!
Ole Guy
August 1st, 2012
12:42 pm
Prof, I’m not too sure what, if any military experience you’ve had, nor what billet of responsibility…either in or out of the military…you’ve had. Privates, and for that matter, everyone within the military DOES AS THEY ARE TOLD. Before you start with the robot business…as privates, they are presumed to be completely imature as to the ways of the military. They may be college grads, suma cum whatever, but they are, nonetheless, privates and are REQUIRED to follow orders. As we grow, both in rank, stature, and responsibilitys, we are granted the presumption that, given our positions, we follow what is known as COMMANDER’S INTENT, that is, we, as responsible leaders, remain within the bounds of acceptable conduct while GETTING THE JOB DONE.
Now while all this may seem, somehow, unattainable within the civilian community, it is EXACTLY why we eperience, both within the educational community, and in (what passes for) society as a whole.
Bottom line…KIDS HAVE TO LEARN TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS…NO SPECIAL CASES; NO NUTHIN; SIMPLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. If, despite following such instructions, things go “toes up”, than it’s “on the teacher”. As it is now, the teacher has been relagated to that of a traffic cop with NO authority as to controlling traffic. Drivers can do pretty much as they damn well please (which is precisely what we see on the hiways and byways).
So if, despite the teachers’ “warnings”, the kids do as they damn well please, because the principal said it’s ok, than it’s ON THE DAMN PRINCIPAL. If the teachers had a COLLECTIVE VOICE, maybe they could…without fear of pissing off the principal…TAKE A LITTLE CONTROL OF THEIR CLASSROOMS.
Is that too much to expect…teachers actually having some authority? THEY…not popular damand, not the possibility that “the head shed” might, someday, somehow, se the light, but THEY, the teacher corp, has to initiate this one. One cannot believe they are too stupid to initiate such action, so the reality must be…they’re scared…scared of their “own backyards”. So who’s kidding who when the teacher corps starts pontificating about this “caring for the children” crap?
Gretchen
August 1st, 2012
1:01 pm
I hope the doctor who takes care of me did not learn online! Or the mechanic who works on my car!