Glenn Reynolds On Online College Educations
Reynolds writes at washingtonexaminer.com:
Another opportunity exists in alternative methods of certifying knowledge. A college diploma serves as a basic signifier of its holder's basic competence, but with costs running well into the six figures, it's an awfully expensive credential.MIT/Harvard will start certifying online students, and that may be just the beginning. The Cato Institute's Andrew Coulson suggests that people should accumulate knowledge in life, then build a portfolio that will directly demonstrate their knowledge to future employers. He calls it savoir faire: (Literally: "know how to do.")
I think that's a really nice idea but find that people are often unable to assess for themselves whether another person is qualified and like to fall back on credentialism.
Texas State and A&M both have online nursing degrees, that cost MORE than the brick and mortar school. Paying for the convenience, I guess.
momof4 at May 8, 2012 3:23 PM
I have a three ring binder that I update on an ad hoc basis.
It has a section that has my technical and chronological resumes.
The next section is my awards and certificates. I volunteer as an expert on Experts Exchange and have a Genius level certification.
The next section is sample code and procedures I have done over the years.
Next section is Education.
Next section is performance reviews, etc.
The final is military info.
My last interview I walked into I think the tech guys portion of the interview would be a 10 minute and then blow me off. Because I had my portfolio we finally ended after about 40 minutes, and I had them asking about their specific situations and software. I was offered my current job less than 48 hours later at the bottom of the range I asked for. It was a $17K bump in salary.
My co-workers were impressed with me on my second day. The first day was paperwork. I still don't have a degree.
If you have skills and knowledge -- you don't need one. But have that portfolio and it will take you far.
I know this sounds like bragging. But it really works.
Jim P. at May 8, 2012 7:44 PM
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