Future challenges facing higher education
Anya Kamenetz is an American journalist and author of several books, including: Generation Debt and DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs, and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education. The following TEDxAlanta video summarises key themes relating to the future challenges of higher education.

The phenomenon of “free” learning

Note: Feel free to annotate any of the following webpages using the OERuLida101 group on Hypothes.is – remember to tag your annotations or replies using the course code: LiDA101)

• edX
• Modern states
• 10 free online courses you can take to learn to be more productive

Alternate credentialing

• Alternative Credentialing Can Add Value to Degrees
• More Than 90 Percent of Institutions Offer Alternative Credentials

The purpose of this mini challenge is to:

• Reflect on the future of higher education in a digital world in the context of rising costs of study and access to educational opportunities around the world.
• Consider the impact and relevance of “free” online learning opportunities and alternative credentialing models for future employment.
• Identify the implications of the changing landscape in higher education with regards to academic and study skills.
• Share your views by participating in an online discussion on these issues.

Read one or both of the following articles published by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, a major funder behind the OER movement:

• Q&A with TJ Bliss: It’s an exciting time for open educational resources
• Z as in zero: Increasing college access and success through zero-textbook-cost degrees

Actions

1. Log in to Hypothes.is and post annotations or replies.
2. Remember to tag your annotations or replies using the course code: LiDA101 (The course tag is required to harvest posts for the course feed.)

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to have an open discussion on the future of higher education in a digital age taking into account the rising costs of education and lack of access in many parts of the world.

Instructions
Post your thoughts on this topic on the forums.oeru.org site. You are encouraged to “like” compelling posts and to reply to contributions from your peers. Issues to consider and share on the forum include:

• What are your thoughts on Anya Kamenetz’s TEDxAtlanta talk on the DIY U? Published in 2010, what is the probability of these predictions becoming reality taking the advantage of hindsight into account? Do you disagree with any of Anya’s assertions?
• Will the phenomenon of “free learning” succeed in addressing the challenges of rising costs and lack of access to higher education? Think about advantages and disadvantages.
• Will alternate credentialing increase your prospects for future employment?
• What are the implications of this changing landscape in higher education for your own academic skills and those of future learners?
• Other?