Abstract:

Higher education is due for a major transformation from digital technology. A combination of new delivery systems and the student loan bubble will destroy the existing model and open up new opportunities for new approaches. In this paper we propose a new model that will provide maximum flexibility, efficiency and direct benefits to students’ careers. It is based on a just-in-time approach to skill acquisition, where the students will identify the needed skill set, and the university will customize a specific, cutting-edge training based on best practices to help the student acquire the desirable skill in a very short time and at a reasonable cost. The emphasis will be on the university acting as a short-term coach to anyone who wants to acquire or improve a particular skill set. It can include formal degrees, certifications, or any narrow training that focuses on a specific situation. The target market will be not only traditional students, but literally anyone who wants to improve their knowledge and skills regardless if their goal is to improve their career path or to enjoy some amateur activity or hobby.

Keywords:

New skills, life-long learning, new delivery modes, customized higher education.