Week in Edtech 5/8/2024: OpenAI's Search Engine, Stanford University's 2024 Report on the State of AI, 4 Traits of Successful Founders by Jennifer Carolan and More! Feat. Jason Levin of WGU Labs and Brian Ashton & Van Christman of BYU-Pathway Worldwide
May 14, 2024
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Guests Jason Levin and Brian Ashton discuss OpenAI's new search engine challenge, Stanford University's 2024 report on AI advancements, Apple's AI chip development, and traits of successful founders by Jennifer Carolan. They also touch on concerns about AI in education and the innovations in online competency-based education by WGU Labs and BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
BYU Pathway Worldwide, in partnership with BYU Idaho, has launched a fully accredited three-year bachelor's degree program. This innovative initiative aims to reduce the time and cost of obtaining a bachelor's degree by 25%, catering to a unique student population, primarily working adults worldwide and those in economically challenged regions. The curriculum adjustment eliminates elective credits, focusing on job-ready certificates and stackable credentials to enhance student employability.
Affordable Tuition and Global Access at BYU Pathway Worldwide
BYU Pathway Worldwide offers a remarkably low-cost bachelor's degree, priced at $6,200 in the US and less than $300 in some African countries. With a tuition rate of $81 per credit hour, this institution ensures affordability and accessibility, serving students from over 180 countries. Their geo-pricing model aligns tuition fees with the GDP per capita of the country, creating equitable opportunities for learners worldwide.
Challenging the Traditional Four-Year Degree Model
BYU Pathway Worldwide and BYU Idaho challenge the conventional notion of a four-year bachelor's degree by introducing a three-year accredited program. Departing from the 120-credit hour tradition, rooted in faculty pension policies, this innovation emphasizes learning outcomes over credit hour completion. The move towards a more streamlined and cost-effective three-year degree addresses the needs of non-traditional students seeking quick career advancement and affordable higher education.
Navigating Accreditation Challenges for Innovative Curriculum Design
Addressing the significant shift in curriculum design for a three-year bachelor's degree required collaboration with accrediting bodies, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Overcoming barriers stemming from historical credit hour standards, BYU Pathway Worldwide and BYU Idaho navigated accreditation challenges by highlighting the distinct student demographics and aligning with revised accreditation guidelines. The evolution of standards and open dialogue facilitated the approval of the innovative program, marking a groundbreaking achievement in higher education.
Embracing Learner-Centered Innovations at BYU Pathway Worldwide
BYU Pathway Worldwide's strategic focus on learner-centered innovations led to the introduction of a stackable credential model and job-ready certificates to enhance student employability at each stage of the academic journey. By reevaluating elective credit distribution and emphasizing skill acquisition throughout the program, the institution ensures practical learning outcomes and career advancement opportunities for its diverse student population globally.
Future of Higher Education: Transformative Approaches to Program Delivery
BYU Pathway Worldwide's pioneering approach to curriculum design and accreditation sets a precedent for transformative higher education offerings. By challenging traditional four-year degree models, prioritizing student needs, and adapting to evolving accreditation standards, the institution exemplifies innovative program delivery. This forward-thinking initiative signals a paradigm shift towards cost-effective, personalized, and globally accessible higher education opportunities, shaping the future landscape of the industry.
Join Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore pivotal topics in this Week in Edtech episode:
đ OpenAI's rumored new search engine to challenge Google đ€ Key findings from Stanford University's 2024 report on AI advancements and challenges đ Apple's development of AI chips and new AI features in the iPad Pro đ Essential traits that define successful founders, according to Jennifer Carolan of Reach Capital đ Concerns on AI in Education
Plus special guests, Jason Levinof WGU Labs and Brian Ashton & Van Christman of BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
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