On this episode, RNL’s Scott Jeffe joins Dr. Susan Aldridge, who was President of Drexel University Online until her retirement last year. Susan also served as president of University of Maryland University College. She’s one of the foremost experts in serving adult and online learners and how colleges and universities need to adapt and change to serve this growing population. Dr. Aldridge is currently an Executive Consultant to university presidents and ministries of education around the world. Susan talks with Scott about how the current economic and educational climates are impacting enrollment. This is a preview of her keynote session at the RNL National Conference, coming up in just a few weeks.
Susan’s advice for engaging adult and online learners and helping them succeed:
- Institutions need to be constantly watching new technology, adding degrees and programs that fit the new needs, and new technology and processes are important in education as well.
- There is a huge market coming for re-skilling workers. In the next few decades, over half us will need some form of new education to adapt to change. If your institution can adapt quickly to serve this market, the opportunity is significant.
- Technology-enhanced courses provide an opportunity for marketing and recruiting new students.
- Think about how your institution can educate while students are working. The ability for students to show value to their current employer and career while pursuing new skills is crucial.
- Shift to a focus on being the lifetime learning partner for your students. Just granting one degree is too limited a view: students want long term value for their investment and will return if they are engaged well.
- The challenging time we are in with a global health crisis presents opportunities for institutions to step up. We’re all serving and supporting students at a distance. Think about what you’ve learned during this time that has made systems more efficient and flexible, and apply it for all students when we’re back together again.