Friday 1 March 2013

Globalization: An Opportunity for Higher Education?

Globalization is a hot topic in the media and in the business world these days. The Levin Institute of the State University of New York defines globalization as "a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies and governments of various countries, a process driven by international trade and investment, and support of information technology". [1] The Internet has one of those innovations that information technology has resulted in a new era of global communications and commerce. It has enabled call centers in India, for example, calls for the service of customers worldwide hyper-competitive prices. Globalization has redefined entire industries and the Web, to lead the revolution in many cases.

Now consider what the Internet did for higher education. Today it is possible for someone to complete a comprehensive curriculum from virtually anywhere on the planet as long as it. Access to a computer and a network connection Whether you're a busy professional or a mother who stays at home, there's no reason why you do not have access to a decent college education. This should not be surprising if you have lived in isolation technology. Why hire a new look? The cost of training is at an unsustainable rate. This inflationary pressure has reason many pauses and reflection, so some pre-college walk at all. This is particularly problematic for the knowledge economy, which depends on a highly skilled workforce.

According to the College Board, for the academic year 2011-12 in the United States, the average cost of tuition in the state, in a four-year college $ $ 8,244 public, an increase of 7.0% compared to last year. Based on this estimate, assuming a graduate in four years, the total cost of higher education $ 32,976 USD (or $ 41,220 U.S. for 5 years). Tuition fees, at an average rate of 5.6% per year increase above inflation in the United States in the last decade and shows no signs of abatement. [2] The global recession is forcing governments around the world-saving measures for the loss of tax revenue, higher education to compensate for implementation was the victim of these cuts. It happens everywhere, even in Europe, where the entrance was purely demand based on the power that students too little, if any, to pay costs. The UK has recently seen the introduction of fees. The cost of maintaining these institutions is aimed at students in the form of higher tuition fees and student debt that will cripple transfer future economic growth. Traditionally, the brick and mortar institutions limited by the physical space in the classroom and ensure access to the best and brightest, the criteria have been implemented. But tougher admission requirements leads to reduced access. However, cyberspace has changed the dynamics so almost unlimited access and the ability to leverage economies of scale.

Let's look at a few online degree programs from institutions all over the world and its estimated cost in U.S. dollars (USD) (exchange rate today, some programs are in a fixed exchange rate) developed. It should not be assumed that an exhaustive list or be comparative curriculum. Its purpose is to get a reflection on the possibilities of the online programs in a world held in a regional context.

Western Governors University (USA)

    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Total Estimated Cost: $ 18,210 USD ($ 3,035 USD per quarter for 6 semesters)
    Bachelor of Nursing - Total Estimated Cost: $ 25,500 USD ($ 4.250 USD per quarter for 6 semesters)

Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh Business School) (Scotland, UK)

    Master of Business Administration (General) - 9 courses - Total estimated cost: $ 13,005 USD ($ 1.445 x 9 USD Price)
    Master of Business Administration (with specialization in marketing, human resources, strategic planning and finance) - 11 courses - Total estimated cost: $ 15,895 USD ($ $ 1.445 x 11 courses)

Central Queensland University (Australia)

    Bachelor of Accounting - Total Estimated Cost: $ 10,275 USD

University of South Africa (UNISA) (South Africa)

    Certificate in International Marketing - Total estimated cost: $ 1.100 USD
    Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) in financial management - Total Estimated Cost: $ 10,000 USD

As you can see from this short list, there are a wide range in all hemispheres. If they just want, you are sure to find many of the most reputable online universities handy and affordable and universities.

Ignore national borders for the sake of higher education can not solve all the ills of the system of higher education to be worldwide. Program, many areas are not readily available. To an online program, especially those disciplines that require time in laboratories such as chemistry or medicine There is something to be said for a touch of class face-to-face, too. The value of peer discourse is unpredictable. However, the potential online degree programs offer yet fully realized. Develop as learning management systems, and developing methods for online collaboration, the ability to interact with their peers in real time will become more frequent, which makes the world our classroom. When we think and want to act globally, we should not learn and globally?

Faced with budget cuts, colleges and universities is not a choice, to either reduce the cost or increase revenue have news. The need to remain competitive makes replace (or increase) in income a cheaper option. Some universities have successfully commercialize their research through intellectual property licensing, publications and the development of curricula for training programs. How many brick and mortar institutions that brought their curriculum online, it's not led to a reduction of fees, because the supply is still a lot of work and revenue model has not been modified to focus on profitability. Western Governors University, University of South Africa and the Heriot-Watt University have all systems of program delivery and revenue models deserve further investigation.

Heriot-Watt University, for example, offers some of its courses in an asynchronous self-study of a model significantly reduces labor costs. Her studies at the Edinburgh Business School and a branch office in Dubai (another campus in Malaysia planned) to generate income that is repatriated to the home campus in Edinburgh. The major capital improvements to the infrastructure (new dormitory, classroom, localization and translation programs, etc.) and reinvestment in the community make students benefactor of these benefits. Their means of distance learning has the potential to scale to hundreds of thousands, even millions of students around the world. This scalability makes use of economies of scale that maximizes the benefits of the institution. At the same time, it provides greater access, flexibility and fees at competitive prices. [3]

Assuming that the consumers are willing to in the global education market can participate, is the problem. The criterion by which one evaluates the programs of colleges and universities at the international level The quality of materials, accreditation, notable alumni, peer interaction and above all integrity assessments of all the factors that should be considered. Material quality by ensuring that the authors are recognized experts in their field are judged. Accreditation is recognized by a local authority and / or accreditation at the international level is important to ensure the continuity and consistency. For example, in the Heriot-Watt University. Royal Charter from the British government and Western Governors University is regionally accredited approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an organization by the U.S. Department of Education accredited Notable alumni can also be an indicator of the quality and accuracy of an international university. Nobel laureates Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are both graduates of the University of South Africa. The ability to interact with your peers can be a lifesaver in case of difficulty of the course material to be familiar. This is one of the disadvantages of distance learning, but if it's possible to communicate with their peers, it may be possible, the answers you need. Probably one of the most important is the integrity of assessments. At no time should be able to relate notes or get help, while a review is carried out, or what should be an immediate cause for concern. The integrity of test equipment is very important for the validity of the certificate. If assessments are administered without controls, it is impossible to know whether you have mastered the material. Studies at Heriot-Watt University and the University of South Africa monitored testing centers worldwide. These are often the same equipment necessary to administer the GMAT. GRE and other standardized tests for admission, which require a high degree of safety

The university must be challenged both internally and externally in order to create a more efficient market. Tuition fees can not continue to grow at this pace, without serious economic consequences in the future. Globalisation is an opportunity for higher education to expand into new markets and new revenue streams so that they can withstand difficult budget situation, stabilize tuition and stimulate local reinvestment. It also provides an opportunity for students to expand access and reduce the burden of student debt creating flows for economic activity. Another advantage is a greater awareness and appreciation of global problems.

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