ASU to Launch a Free Global Initiative and enroll 100 million students

[Vle045]

I just thought of something….. What if the cost to “Transcript” the courses is similar to the ASU EA courses? Isn’t that like $400 a course?? Now, if it’s $25 a course, that would be fine. But for $2,000, it could go either way for some people. They really weren’t clear about that. And I think it is a very important point.

[carrythenothing]

During that first webinar, I specifically asked: "Is there an additional fee to convert courses for credit? (as with ASU Universal Learner)." Someone marked it as "This question has been answered live," so I think it really is the cost of a transcript.

[MNomadic]

I just thought of something…..  What if the cost to “Transcript” the courses is similar to the ASU EA courses?  Isn’t that like $400 a course??   Now, if it’s $25 a course, that would be fine.  But for $2,000, it could go either way for some people.  They really weren’t clear about that.  And I think it is a very important point.

This question was addressed during the webinar and Sanantone mentioned it earlier in the thread:

There is no cost to convert courses to credits. There's only a transcript fee. (according to their response)

This was a concern of mine as well which is why I think I asked it during the webinar. Obviously, nothing is certain until they officially release the full written out plan but there shouldn't be a fee to "transcript" the courses, just a small fee to get your transcript(as is the case with every college I've heard of) and should only be somewhere between $5-$20.

[Vle045]

They have added a little more info about the courses on their website…. It’s getting closer….

https://thunderbird.asu.edu/lifelong-lea...n-learners

[carrythenothing]

Participants in 100 Million Learners can pre-register at http://www.100millionlearners.org. Once their desired course and language in available they must register for it on the same site which will create a Canvas account where they can take the course. For each course successfully completed, learners will earn a digital badge from Badgr. Learners can take the courses in any order they desire. Learners who successfully complete all 5 courses will earn a Thunderbird Executive Education Certificate. Those interested can apply for an accredited certificate from ASU/Thunderbird as long as they have achieved a B+ or better in each of the five courses. If approved, the 15-credit certificate can be used to transfer to another institution, pursue a degree at ASU/Thunderbird, or elsewhere. Learners who take any of the courses can choose to pursue other lifelong learning opportunities at ASU/Thunderbird or use their digital credentials to pursue new professional opportunities.

Just below the "learner journey" image

[Vle045]

According to this article, it seems like those of us in the US and Canada would not be included in this free certificate offer. Unless they mean that in regards to languages other than English. I can’t wait to find out! https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnie...7b09d030c9


“Leaders of the effort intend for the curriculum to be phased in over three to four years. In the first year, the initiative will be offered to students in Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, India, Senegal, Brazil and Vietnam in their native languages.

By the second year, the program will be expanded across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America and will be offered in at least 25 languages.

And by year four, the program will be expanded to Europe and Central Asia, bringing the total number of languages used for instruction to 40. It’s expected that 70% of the participants will be women.”

[uncapentin]

According to this article, it seems like those of us in the US and Canada would not be included in this free certificate offer.  Unless they mean that in regards to languages other than English.  I can’t wait to find out!   https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnie...7b09d030c9


“Leaders of the effort intend for the curriculum to be phased in over three to four years. In the first year, the initiative will be offered to students in Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, India, Senegal, Brazil and Vietnam in their native languages.

By the second year, the program will be expanded across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America and will be offered in at least 25 languages.

And by year four, the program will be expanded to Europe and Central Asia, bringing the total number of languages used for instruction to 40. It’s expected that 70% of the participants will be women.”

Not included ? That sucks.

[Vle045]

Not included ? That sucks.

I am really hoping they are referring to the expansion to other languages…. But they also mentioned it is for developing countries.  So, that would not be us.   I don’t think anyone asked that in the webinar, unless I missed it.

[MNomadic]

I wouldn't jump to any conclusions just yet. The story you shared was from the first few days that the announcement happened when details were incomplete and scarce. They're trying to hit 100 million people and while I understand they want to help people in developing countries the most(totally understandable), I don't see how excluding a large swath of the world's population from the get-go would make much sense when they're trying to reach so many, especially since the courses are starting in English.

[Vle045]

I am hoping there’s no limitations like that. I am really looking forward to this one. I have been Auditing the similar class on edx. If it’s the same or similar, it should be really good. It got me to pull out my Seven Habits book that I never read. LOL. (It’s on the suggested reading list)