Focused on personalized learner outcomes, a new program at Northern Arizona University utilizes OER as well as customized content for a program that enables participants to earn a degree in a model that is both high quality and efficient. Students can test out of parts, or sometimes all, of each class. The classes offer content in many modalities, and learners decide when they are ready to take the final assessment which can be a project, paper, or test. There is no such thing as failing – the student continues to do work until they are able to pass. Badges are collected as they complete. This is pedagogy of the future – a fantastic idea. Research from Educause. “Students in the Personalized Learning bachelor-degree programs in computer information technology, small business administration, and liberal arts work with a mentor faculty member before enrolment to develop a personalized learning plan to help them successfully achieve a life, work, and school balance. Once students are enrolled, they talk with their mentors at least once a week for the first six months. In subsequent subscriptions, students and their faculty mentor work out an appropriate level of contact. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and prescribed — there are no electives.”
New Images of Education 