Spreading Out the Cost of Higher Education

If we accept three to six years of education debt is a debilitating start to life for our children perhaps a better model would be to spread the cost over time by shortening the on-campus experience, and running the final years part time as distance education while students are in employment. The on-campus experience would then be focused on its role as a critical bridge between high school and the work place. So instead of the traditional model of lectures, tutes and semesters we have one or two years on campus using a blended learning approach in a simulated work environment, preparing students for the move to a lifelong learning mode with online distance education, and campus visits for intensive mode active learning. to achieve this we would have to first convert all years three, four, five onward courses would always be available in the distance/intensive education mode.

Mode	Benefit	Year Group	Physical	Time
On-campus simulation of the work environment. Self paced online learning combined with collaborative projects done in physically collocated teams in a simulated office environment, with some active learning tutes.	Bridges the high school gap, and inducts students to lifelong learning skills, and realistic work environment skills. Makes better use of technology.	Years 1 & 2	On campus in work-like collaboration spaces with codes of conduct and complimented with active learning tutes.	Self paced with multiple deadline options per year
Online distance learning, Self paced online learning complimented with collaborative projects done in virtual teams, and some on-campus intensive mode active learning.	Suitable for students currently employed or with work experience. Fits better with busy workers. Gets students into the work environment faster making study more relevant, and spreading out the cost of education.	All years 3+ including postgraduate study.	At work (or home) with some on-campus active learning tutes.	Self paced with multiple deadline options per year

Thoughts?
Simon Collyer