About the Episode
About the Episode: In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Aric Krause, Dean of Academic and Administrative Affairs at Rensselaer at Work, the online and professional education arm of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). RPI, the nation’s first technological university, celebrates its bicentennial this year, and Rensselaer at Work has offered professional graduate education in STEM for more than 70 years. Traditional selling points for higher ed, like “small class sizes,” no longer resonate strongly with modern learners, and institutions must innovate to stay relevant, particularly for working professionals and adult students. Dr. Krause shares what’s next for higher education as it re-defines its value proposition in an evolving landscape, and how Rensselaer at Work is meeting the needs of today’s learners.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional higher ed selling points like small class sizes are less relevant to today's adult learners, requiring a shift in how institutions define and communicate value.
- Rensselaer at Work partners with employers to design skill-focused, stackable programs that meet real-time workforce needs, emphasizing immediate value for professionals and employers.
- Data analytics and machine learning are leveraged to identify and reach prospective students who demonstrate readiness for continued education.
- AI and emerging technologies, including quantum computing, are shaping innovative, real-time learning experiences and curriculum design.
- Future directions in education emphasize modular, on-demand learning that supports immediate application, moving away from memorization to project-based, skills-driven learning.
Episode Summary
What’s Next for Higher Education’s Value Proposition?
Dr. Krause discusses how traditional educational selling points, such as small class sizes, fail to engage today’s students, particularly adult learners seeking career advancement. He emphasizes that higher education must clarify its value by addressing specific needs, whether it’s launching undergraduates into the workforce or helping professionals secure career progression. Institutions must demonstrate a tangible return on investment, particularly as decision-makers like parents, employers, and even the students themselves, demand clarity on how education will drive real-world success.
How Does Rensselaer at Work Define and Deliver Value to Professionals?
At Rensselaer at Work, program design revolves around the needs of professionals already immersed in their careers. Dr. Krause explains that these programs are skill-based and structured to support career mobility, offering modules that are accessible anytime and anywhere. By collaborating closely with employers, Rensselaer at Work identifies in-demand skills—such as data fluency or project management—and structures these into stackable credentials. This modular approach addresses both personal career aspirations and company talent development needs, making programs directly relevant to both students and their employers.
What Role Do Employers Play in Curriculum Development?
The episode sheds light on Rensselaer at Work’s approach to gathering employer input, which is essential for program relevance. Dr. Krause provides a compelling example: when employers voiced the need for talent skilled in data analytics, his team went beyond creating a general analytics program. Instead, they tailored courses to focus on decision-making supported by data visualization and statistical tools. This strategic partnership with employers ensures that curriculum remains responsive to current market demands, offering ongoing reviews every two years to adapt to evolving needs.
How is Rensselaer at Work Using Technology and AI to Reach Potential Learners?
To cut through the noise and reach target audiences effectively, Rensselaer at Work utilizes data analytics and machine learning to pinpoint professionals most likely ready for further education. Dr. Krause explains that analyzing patterns in career timelines, demographics, and personal circumstances allows them to identify prospective students precisely when they’re contemplating additional training. This approach is bolstered by robust LinkedIn and alumni networks, helping to engage both professionals and employers with tailored, value-driven messaging.
How Will Quantum Computing Shape Future Programs?
Quantum computing, championed at Rensselaer by President Marty Schmidt, is a futuristic topic in Rensselaer’s evolving educational offerings. Dr. Krause shares that Rensselaer at Work is developing programs around quantum computing, designed not as comprehensive degrees but as skill-specific modules. These smaller, flexible programs allow learners to start building quantum literacy, helping professionals understand and integrate this emerging field’s potential impact on their industries even before it becomes mainstream.
What Future Directions Does Professional Education Need to Take?
Dr. Krause’s vision for the future of professional education involves modular, on-demand learning that equips learners with skills precisely when needed. He draws on pop culture—specifically, The Matrix—to illustrate the potential for real-time learning. According to Dr. Krause, institutions need to offer education that isn’t simply degree-focused but is adaptive and skills-driven. This model allows learners to meet job demands immediately, positioning them for rapid career advancement. By prioritizing practical skills and applied learning over memorization, higher education can truly prepare professionals for success in a rapidly evolving job market.
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