Globalization of Higher Education Conference Seeks To Remake Colleges Into Univ. of Phoenix Model

[TexasTowelie]

By Carol Morgan

The world-class conference, Globalization of Higher Education began today in Dallas. Obscured by other news coverage, this convocation of eclectic movers and shakers in politics, government, media, business and education is barely a blip on the media radar.

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The conference website, Globalization of Higher Education , claims that its sponsor is Queen’s College, the University of Cambridge, but that’s only part of the story. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the web page and the fine print reads: BROUGHT TO YOU BY ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS AND QUEENS' COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

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In case, you’re unfamiliar with Academic Partnerships, it’s a technology corporation that assists public universities and colleges in the transition to online courses and degree programs. Its parent company, Higher Ed Holdings, enjoys the reputation of being the Haliburton of the education sector. According to writer, Caroline Howard in her Forbes article , it’s the brain child of Randy Best, a Dallas entrepreneur who became a multi-millionaire through a series of entrepreneur ventures ranging from jewelry businesses, art galleries, cattle yards, outpatient care, oil exploration, and defense contracting. Best readily admits he has dyslexia, can’t use a computer and couldn’t attend law school because of his sketchy academic achievement. Some of his statements inadvertently betray his attitude toward the intellectuals: “The Stanfords, the Harvards, oh my gosh, those schools are remarkable, but they’re irrelevant to the market.”

Despite his disdain for Ivy League schools, his biography proves Randy Best can make money. And that has become a merit badge in higher education administration. Think of the worn-out insult, “If you’re so smart, how come you’re not rich?” It’s an example of the mindset that’s overtaken the world. The ultimate achievement is riches; nothing else matters. Wealth is the single benchmark for success.

More at http://lubbockonline.com/interact/blog-post/carol-morgan/2014-03-24/globalization-higher-education-conference-seeks-remake .

Related Thread:
Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton to discuss education today at Irving conference
http://www.democraticunderground.com/107816478

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

1. My buddy's a high school teacher...

he believes teachers at his level are on the way out, too. Microsoft and Apple are already entrenched in his high school. Says it's just a matter of time before they replace in-class teachers with remote "super-teachers." The in-class teacher will be replaced by TAs.