ASU, edX reimagine first year of college for students

Global Freshman Academy offers alternative entry into Higher Education

Arizona State University made some outstanding news involving their distance learning initiative, Online Learning in other words, making it possible for learners all over the world to earn college level credit while engaging in courses produced by ASU scholars. "The Global Freshman Academy will give learners anywhere in the world the opportunity to earn freshman-level university credit after successfully completing a series of digital immersion courses hosted on edX, designed and taught by leading scholars from ASU". (asu news [university]). This will allow students to "get their feet wet" in college courses, while earning credit towards their freshman year without the worry of financial aid and the stress which is surrounded with college life.

“At ASU, we’re committed to academic inclusion and student success, regardless of a student’s family circumstances. We will not be successful unless we reach talent from all backgrounds around the world, and the worldwide reach of the revolutionary edX platform allows us to open this program to anyone with the drive to obtain their degree,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “The Global Freshman Academy will empower students to prepare for college and achieve what they may not have thought they could".

edX was founded by Harvard University and MIT back in 2012 and now this technology will be used to help students earn school credit from all over the world. We’re proud to welcome ASU as an edX Charter member,” said Anant Agarwal, edX CEO. “ASU has established itself as a new model for the American research university with a focus on inclusion and global thinking. This partnership delivers on the founding mission of edX: the promise to transform education while increasing access to high-quality learning. As with other innovative technologies in the digital space, so too will Global Freshman Academy change the educational opportunities that will help people transform their lives.”

This will be a great way for incoming and potential higher education candidates gage what is entailed in the student world when it comes to studying, doing research, having deadlines, and becoming well versed in college procedures. This is a great and inexpensive way for students all around the world to get a taste of college life without the commitment that comes along with it.

With the increase of technology, online, or distant learning, is becoming a big portion of many Universities' student populations. Hard working adults, people who want to advance in their careers, or people who want to add more to their repertoire will now have an easier opportunity to become a student and not stress over the caveats of student life from the comfort of home. It is a fantastic idea to include more people who wish to further their education endeavors by making online learning more available for not just students in the United States, but for those who see the importance of having a reputable education. It is in hopes that through the upcoming years, more schools will begin to adopt the same practices as ASU and edX are bringing to the table which is making technology an asset in the educational atmosphere.

If you are interested in the criteria for the program, here is some additional information:

The program differs from other digital immersion undergraduate programs in the following ways:

• Course credit for open online courses: By completing the full series of eight Global Freshman Academy courses, students earn full college credit for freshman year; students will also be able to opt for taking individual courses for credit if they prefer.

• Cost effective: Freshman-year credit earned through Global Freshman Academy is a fraction of the cost students typically pay.

• Learning before payment: Students may decide to take a course for credit at the beginning or after coursework has been completed – reducing financial risk while opening a pathway for exploration and preparation for qualified students who may not otherwise seek a degree.

• Unlimited reach: Because of the open course format, learning takes place while scaling completely – there are no limits to how many learners can take the courses online.

• Innovative admissions option: Global Freshman Academy’s approach is different from the traditional admissions process of other credit-bearing courses, eliminating such barriers to entry as standardized tests and transcripts that are part of the traditional application process.

• Track record of success: This partnership brings together a globally recognized online educational platform founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a university whose innovative online degree programs boast an 89 percent retention rate.