Tom Gibbons Thinks Higher Ed Must Evolve With the Marketplace скачать в хорошем качестве

Tom Gibbons Thinks Higher Ed Must Evolve With the Marketplace

Lee Maxey speaks with Tom Gibbons, dean of Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies, about how continuing and professional education has changed over the last two decades and where it’s headed next. From the rise of professional master’s programs to the shift toward online learning and stackable credentials, Gibbons emphasizes the importance of experimentation and market responsiveness. As he puts it, “You’ve got to listen to the marketplace, and I think we in the field are doing that and trying to do that, but it’s hard. You don’t get it right all the time.” The conversation also touches on how the pandemic reshaped faculty attitudes toward online education, the uncertain role of microcredentials, and the ways AI may enhance learning and teaching. Core Themes: The long-term evolution of professional and continuing education The rise of online learning and faculty adaptation post-pandemic The growing interest in certificates and stackable credentials AI as a complement to teaching, research, and student learning Key Concepts Covered: Northwestern’s early adoption of online education and professional master’s programs as major growth opportunities for professional studies. The creation of market-driven programs, such as the first online Master’s in Data Science, highlighting the importance of aligning offerings with evolving industry needs and specializations like AI. The rise of stackable credentials and microcredentials, including the potential benefits and ongoing challenges associated with assessment and integration into degree pathways. The contrast between hastily designed pandemic-era “Zoom classes” and purposefully built online programs, with the pandemic ultimately accelerating faculty acceptance of online teaching. The strategic importance of designing microcredentials “backwards” to fit existing governance structures, while also pairing academic credentials with industry certifications that add real-world value. The complementary role of AI in higher education and how it can best support students and faculty. The sustained relevance of schools of professional studies as lifelong learning becomes essential due to rapid industry change.