Introduction
Attaining college qualification presently is a key topic in the public, state and local domains. Economists, policy makers and education experts concur that in order to sustain, build a strong and vibrant nation, secure a long term economic growth and social stability, the United States education system should be accessible, it must be of exceptional quality and enhance innovation in various fields.
This paper explores what Kaplan College education system would be like in the year 2025. It also describes the role of mobile technology such as mobile applications, in the future of higher education. Additionally, the paper assesses the role of open content course wares, and determines the effects on traditional colleges. Globalization of the economy is a trend shaping the institution of higher learning. The paper explores the roles of higher institution of learning in response to this issue. The future of higher education in Kaplan will be tied to the better strategies put in place, embracing the role of mobile applications and meeting the challenges that come with globalization.
Higher Education in 2025
The role of higher education in the economic growth of the United States is apparent. This is illustrated through strong and innovative educational institution such as Kaplan College. Over the years, Kaplan College has a remarkably instituted strong institutional management which has made it an outstanding college in the United States. Towards the year 2025, Kaplan College plans to accomplish a number of initiatives. The college vision is tailored towards recognizing higher education as a tool for guaranteeing a better living standard for the American population. Kaplan aims at achieving this vision by equipping the student with skills necessary in gaining meaningful employment. Similarly, this will have a direct effect on the nation’s economy and the delivery of social services among the population. The college will also experience an increase in student enrollment with much attention anchored on equity and access to higher education among others (Kaplan College, 2012).
The management of Kaplan College indicates that quality education is critical. It equips the future workforce. Hence, much emphasis will be placed on the quality of education the institution provides. Ehlers and Schneckenberg (2010) illustrate that the majority of world economies require workforce with the right skills and knowledge. Hence, there is a need to provide and focus on quality while shaping a student’s future. According to Ehlers and Schneckenberg (2010) connect the quality of higher education with programs and institutions. It has been linked with such things as faculty qualifications, admissions, class size, tuition price and campus amenities. However, presently Kaplan College views the actual outcomes as outcomes for students. This means the quality of a degree will define students in terms of the actual contents learned and determine what the holder will able to do with the degree she/he has earned.
Mobile Applications
The role of mobile applications in the future of education is obvious due to the fact that mobile usage has penetrated in the society. The penetration of these devices has also seen an increase in applications or programs used to run them. Hence, these devices are seen to determine the direction of education in the future. A student with a mobile program will always execute a ‘quick action’ as Ehlers and Schneckenberg say (2010). This means, he/she can access assignments, carry out research or interact with other students.
The Education system at Kaplan College is slowly adapting to the change brought about by information technology. According to Ehlers and Schneckenberg (2010) ‘educators should recognize the need to have an all encompassing curriculum that prepares workforce for the demand in the evolving world’. Basing on this case, it is evident that mobile applications at Kaplan College will serve as an initiative in achieving future goals of the institution. Mobile application will increase access to electronically delivered instructions. This will be in contrast to traditional education systems where students need to be present in actual classrooms. Besides, mobile applications will allow Kaplan students with physical disability to access electronic learning materials with ease. With course content delivery, mobile applications are seen to define interaction process, enhance personalize learning being a tool for networking in the future.
Open Course Content and Colleges
It is likely the move towards open content will transform the role of colleges in the future. According to Quinn (2011) open course ware content is a new concept that has received a wide appeal in the education sector. The course content is being embraced by the majority because it is highly specialized, customized and convenient hence; these characteristics have made the courses more appealing to students, employers and working professionals unlike traditional classroom. Besides, open content is seen to provide a remedy for the high cost that traditional college charges. Because of its availability throughout the world, open course content represents an exhaustive action which will necessitate a change in most conventional colleges.
Global Economy and Higher Education
Higher education drives, and is driven by globalization, a fact of increasing global interconnectedness. It combines social, cultural and economic changes. Gürüz indicates that higher education is essential as it trains highly skilled workforce and contributes to the research base and innovation (2008). Research base and innovation particularly determines competitiveness in the knowledge based global economy. Also, Gürüz (2008) illustrates that because of globalization, rising mobility and economic change sweeping across the world, it is evident that investing in a skilled workforce will be the trend in the future. It is evident the globalization of the economy will significantly influence the trend in higher education. This is because it will encourage creation or establishment of a skilled workforce who will be able to move the world economy.
Reference List
Ehlers, D., and Schneckenberg, D. (2010). Changing Cultures in Higher Education: Moving Ahead to Future Learning, Berlin: Springer.
Gürüz K. (2008). Higher education and international student mobility in the global knowledge economy. New York: SUNY Press.
Kaplan College. (2012). Campus Learning at Kaplan College. Web.
Quinn, C. N. (2011). The Mobile Academy: MLearning for Higher Education, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.