One function of higher education is to provide education, and another is to certify competency. These two functions are related but not the same. So, why not separate the two functions into the lecture/tutorial portions of higher education and the certification wherever possible.
With today's technology course lectures and textbook content are available through mass media, such as the internet, course tapes/CDs, or in some localities on television. In some cases this content is free. This makes it possible for a willing person to become self-educated, lacking only certification. (I am reminded of an old TV show, "Hank".)
If we separate the certification function certification testing could be done on a separate cost basis from lecturing. Since so many students appear to feel that attending class is a waste of their time, let them learn the material on their own and earn certification of their accomplishment.
Freeing the lecture/tutorial from the certification function would allow students to register for only those course tutorials where they need help in mastering the material. This would reduce the pressure on university faculty and infrastructure and potentially save students and taxpayers money. Since traditional multimedia lectures would be available on-line or on TV, the lecture/tutorial sessions would be interactive affairs focused on the students ability to utilize the material rather than dispensing the material. Students could pay to take the same tutorial as many semesters/quarters as needed to gain the skills and confidence needed to demonstrate competency and become certified.
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