Hi Wayne,
The Arts Diploma will obviously provide a broad-based array of laddering possibilities. One thought is to cluster the 18 courses into (overlapping) sets of 8 that best support the next layer of choices and to promote those as well while not excluding general studies. This arrangement may then appeal both to those who want to sample, and to those who have some clear goals in mind and can begin tracking from the outset. For instance, one area of strong interest in higher education - and with broad global relevance - is Business. Access both to degrees and to opportunities for employment are relevant factors here. If some of the initial Arts courses double up for career program prerequisites or requirements, all the better.
Re: Thoughts on a "Diploma of Arts" as the the protype OERu credential?
by Irwin DeVries -
Number of replies: 3
In reply to Irwin DeVries
Re: Thoughts on a "Diploma of Arts" as the the protype OERu credential?
by Wayne Mackintosh -
Irwin DeVries wrote,
Hi Irwin -- I think you have identified a significant opportunity for the design and implementation of the inaugural credential for OERu.One thought is to cluster the 18 courses into (overlapping) sets of 8 that best support the next layer of choices and to promote those as well while not excluding general studies. This arrangement may then appeal both to those who want to sample, and to those who have some clear goals in mind and can begin tracking from the outset.
When you say cluster (overlapping) -- are you referring to different designations or specialisations streams within the credential?
I suspect this may also have strong implications for how the OERu might provide or automate carreer guidance and learner support for assisting students with particular career goals in mind.
Definitely want to here more ...
In reply to Wayne Mackintosh
Re: Thoughts on a "Diploma of Arts" as the the protype OERu credential?
by Irwin DeVries -
Wayne Mackintosh wrote,
When you say cluster (overlapping) -- are you referring to different designations or specialisations streams within the credential?
Yes – the idea is that the initial OER/courses could focus on such areas as nursing and education or business with several of the OER/courses possibly common to all three or at least two of such areas while also allowing for an Arts diploma. Quite a few lower level courses that are useful (core or elective) for regulated professions are generic. International credentialing services provided by various higher education jurisdictions could be consulted to see which courses are broadly accepted internationally for starters. I realize this approach aligns more with the existing system of higher education than some would advocate, but it makes sense to me to start with as many knowns as possible and move forward from there. This approach also does not preclude building new and unique credentials from the same OER/course pool.
In reply to Irwin DeVries
Re: Thoughts on a "Diploma of Arts" as the the protype OERu credential?
by Wayne Mackintosh -
Irwin DeVries wrote,
mmm -- I like this line of reasoning. Conceivably, within an OERu model the pedagogy could be more flexible in streaming assessment for different "carreer" groups.Yes – the idea is that the initial OER/courses could focus on such areas as nursing and education or business with several of the OER/courses possibly common to all three or at least two of such areas while also allowing for an Arts diploma. Quite a few lower level courses that are useful (core or elective) for regulated professions are generic
For example, Communication skills for Nurses, Business or Science students. In other words the OER collaboration model facilitates better alignment for different audiences within "core" courses of an Arts or other credential.
So it is plausible to have different assessment and e-portfolio paths for different careers / professions within generic courses. Easier to do and scale cost effectively within an OERu network than trying to do this as an individual institution. Smart thinking!
I'm beginning to like the OERu concept more than when this SCoPE seminar started.