Welcome back to my distance learning blog!
As I was doing research and thinking about how academics are affected by our present economy, I came across an article in the online site NHBR.com a business resource site for New Hampshire. Before sharing this article with you let me first offer this advice from Gellman-Danley & Fetzner (1998) ,who say that one of the most important aspects to consider when designing and creating online programs is needs assessment.
The article on NHBR directly addresses the economic needs assessment of our 2st century and states that "...the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that in just four years there will be a shortage of more than 10 million skilled workers."
"Middle-skill jobs include construction workers, welders, HVAC technicians, medical assistants, nurses, firefighter/EMTs, childcare workers, electricians and other positions that are crucial to New Hampshire's infrastructure and health. According to the national Skills2Compete Campaign, the pathway to 45 percent of America's good jobs is a certificate or associate degree earned at a community or technical college."
"In New Hampshire, Governor Lynch and the Legislature have created the Job Training Grant, which funds 50 percent of the cost of employee training to help New Hampshire companies upgrade the skills of their workforce. Under the grant, New Hampshire's community colleges are the "trainers of the first resort."
I believe that the future shortage of middle skill workers is applicable to the needs assessment nationwide as community and technical colleges find themselves in budget shortfalls. These budget shortfalls can be remediated and at the same time, people can be trained in important and critical jobs, leading to a strong state economy with well trained citizens who are contributing to their families wellbeing.
To view the complete article click here.
References:
Gellman-Danley, Barbara & Fetzner, Marie, J. (1998). Asking the really tough questions: Policy issues for Distance Learning. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, vol. 1 (1), University of West Georgia, Distance Education.
Thanks again for taking time to read my blog,
Diane
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Diane, you certainly are doing your homework! In today's tough economic times, it will become even more important to have the data on hand to justify expenses for growing online offerings, even while on-ground ones may dwindle.
ReplyDeleteHi! When I look at the short list of middle skills workers it seems like most are our skilled labor professions that require not only education, but a skillset in electronics, plumbing, or other "technician" positions. To me, these are professions that would benefit greatly from distance learning programs that minimize travel time and allow students to study at their own pace. However, with some of the skills required, it seems there would have to be SOME face-to-face education and evaluation. Personally, I am not sure I want to hire a plumber who received his/her credentials entirely online!
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, your points are very valid in that there is an opportunity to increase our middle skills labor through some distance learning applications. Identifying a cost and education-effective balance between distance and face-to-face learning will be critical for the technical and community colleges providing these programs.
I agree that some professions might not receive a well rounded education if all the classes were distance learning. Nursing, for example, would be difficult to offer all classes online. There would have to be interaction between patient and student and observation by professor of student.
ReplyDeleteStudents that fall in that group of middle skills labor that are learning a new trade might need DL classes to keep working until they get the training needed to change jobs.