So what exactly is the degree these students will be receiving and how does the program work? The Sage Achieve degree takes place entirely online. The thought behind this is students will be able to learn in an environment that is most comfortable for them. Stress of being in a classroom setting is eliminated, and academic achievement becomes the primary focus. Once the 120 credit program is completed, the student will receive a Bachelor's of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in computer science. During this four year program, there are 12 required sources focusing on practical life skills including areas such as personal finance and career planning.
Unlike most traditional college programs, this program runs through the summer to keep everyone in an academic mindset. The program is geared to be very individualized and provides one on one mentoring for at least an hour each week. Each student is able to chose the learning style that works best for them. This includes the way they are evaluated and they way they receive course material. Despite these unique features of the program, prospective students are still required to go through the standard admissions process.
Having taken online classes in the past I can say that it is definitely beneficial for many students, however I do not believe it is for everyone. Sitting in front of the computer everyday, with little human interaction, I felt as though I was missing out on learning in a classroom setting. I did not have the opportunity to meet other colleagues and make connections on a personal level. While reading this article, I couldn't help but wonder how this would affect this autistic student population. Does an online learning format prepare autistic students for the possibility of having a job in the future and interacting on a day to day basis? While it does allow for the students to avoid the discomfort they may have in social settings while learning, in everyday life this is not possible. Don't get me wrong, I think this program is great! As with most things, there is always room for improvement.
With the increased cost in education, the Achieve degree does not come without a hefty price tag. The tuition for this program beings at 27k and increases with the course load. Is it logical to burden autistic students and their families with this type of debt? With limited programs available to autistic students, is it fair to charge this much? These questions do not come with easy answers as I realize. This ties into my previous paragraph on preparing students for the workforce. If these students are not exposed to the challenges of human interaction will they be able to hold a job and pay back the loans they may be forced to take out to get a degree? Lots to consider here! I believe this is a big step in the right direction for further helping those with disabilities.
I also read this article with much interest. Thank you for posting, and to Ann for your helpful comments too!
ReplyDeleteMuch of the criticism for this program that I’ve seen centers on an assumption that Sage Colleges (and perhaps others) will use this type of program to subtly exclude students with Autism from the more traditional face-to-face classroom environment- which critics presume is ‘better’ for learners with Autism. Some of the criticism reminds me a lot of some of the debates in the K-12 system on “mainstreaming” students with disabilities vs. separate specialized classes. What is the impact to the student, balanced with the potential impact on the class and other students, of having a student with a disability in the classroom? Dr. Dana Reinecke, a member of the Sage faculty who teaches in the program, address this criticism in her comments of a blog post by the President of Sage Colleges about the Achieve Degree. Dr. Reinecke states, “…if a student with autism IS capable of functioning in a traditional college classroom, he or she SHOULD do that. The Achieve Degree is targeting students who would completely avoid the college experience otherwise.” To me, this confirms my support for Sage’s program. They are offering a choice. Traditional educational options (and other online programs that aren’t specifically designed for students with Autism) will continue to be available and appropriate accommodations made as needed. However, Autistic students now have a broader range of programs and experiences from which to choose, and for that I commend Sage Colleges.
I think the idea of an online bachelor’s degree for autistic students is a great idea. Like Braelin, I too was reminded about the idea of mainstreaming. In that sense, the student’s individual education plan is developed to create the most effective learning environment for the student. This does not only mean providing learning in a special education environment but it also attempts to include the student with the general student population as much as possible. I believe it is important to allow students with disabilities to learn in the way that is most effective for them and at the same time I believe it is important to provide interpersonal learning opportunities. School is not only about academics and knowledge, it is also about relating to others. I wonder if there is a way to still provide the online bachelor’s program and also have a component that is geared toward interpersonal learning. I do not know the answer and it would have to be very structured but this is something I would think about.
ReplyDeleteOne last thought. When I am working on my computer and the internet is slow or my computer crashes I have a difficult time dealing with this. It absolutely irritates me. Someone mentioned how students with autism do not like changes in their routine. So, what would be the implications of computer and/or internet malfunctions for these students? This may or may not have been something the professionals at Sage College have thought of.