Howdy and welcome to the April 19th edition of the Daily Dose of Higher Education for Breakdrink.com!
In today’s news,
“Indiana Community College to Partner with Pearson for No-Instructor Courses”
Pearson Education, Inc. announced this week an agreement with Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana to provide self-contained online courses. Students enrolled in these courses complete material at their own pace, without instructors, unlocking progressively advanced modules. As the state of Indiana faces booming demand at its two-year institutions, Pearson’s courses are looked at to provide additional capacity without straining existing resources. However, faculty trust of such approaches is not yet there–Ivy Tech is requiring students completing the Pearson courses (together called “Propero”) to successfully complete CLEP tests to receive college credit.
“Puppies and Semantics: Lowering the Stress at the U of Toronto’s Law School”
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1163267–yoga-foot-massage-and-dogs-this-is-law-school
In a bid to reduce the stress levels of students in the School of Law at the University of Toronto, officials have stepped up relaxation programs which has included bringing puppies and masseuses to campus. Academically, faculty at U of T are considering reforming grades from the A, B, C, D, and F range to High Honours, Honours, Pass, Low Pass, and Fail. Taken together, the assistant dean noted these efforts fit in with a Canada-wide initiative to address rising mental health issues.
“Faculty Association Votes for Change”
https://chronicle.com/article/AAUP-Election-Results-Reflect/131604/
Following a revote required by the US Department of Labor, the American Association of University Professors has elected seven officers of the “AAUP Organizing for Change” slate. AAUP leadership had made several controversial decisions in recent years, including the unpopular removal of its general secretary. This move highlighted the schism between supporters of focusing on collective bargaining and supporters of a more general outreach strategy. The initial vote was held in 2011 and found by the Department of Labor to have had significant issues requiring a revote–a vote that overturned six of the seven outcomes, including the presidency.
That’s it! Have a good night and a pleasant tomorrow.
