Photo Credit: Kristian D.
Adult learning represents such a rapidly-growing industry, that what prospective students ‘buy’ can be bewildering. The confusion can be minimized by categorizing adult education as branded products.
It’s essential to understand first what constitutes an ‘adult’: an individual above the age of 25, whose educational background can vary from K-12 (elementary/secondary school) to any level of degree-granting college or university (baccalaureate through doctoral). These men and women typically have workplace experiences and family/social obligations that distinguish them from traditional students.
Successful adult educational products reflect adult learner characteristics, but vary considerably in their content and formal recognition. Credit-granting curricula are offered by universities and colleges, and credit may or may not be transferable among institutions. Noncredit alternatives focus more on personal interest and skill development than on awarding of credentials. CEU (continuing education unit) courses fall in between the previous two: the credits they provide are typically limited to an industry such as nursing, or a professional association, such as SHRM, the Society for Human Resources Management. CPE, or continuing professional education, also tends to target specific learner markets by industry or occupation.
Where does ‘brand’ come in? Brand reflects the visibility and recognition that one or more markets associate with a company or institutional name or label. If you are considering an educational option out of workplace/career need or personal growth, it’s best to assess first which products are the best match by type, and how important brand is to you.
More information on the concept of brand is at http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Bo-Co/Brands-and-Brand-Names.html.
Fri, Jul 10, 2009
Adult Education, Continuing Education, Online Education