I'm current attend Western Governors University, a self motivated/paced program. The most difficulty I've had is learning how to learn (never learned in school). I'm only now (after 10 years from graduating from high school) how to teach myself something new. I'm figuring out what study method works best for me. Now I was in honors all through public so me saying only now I'm having to learn how to learn is troubling. For my future children, I do plan on homeschooling with a backup plan of charter schools that encourage self directed learning, we'll have to see how that goes. My husband agrees also that public and private schools discouraged creativity. Breaking the habits that schools taught us (conformity, obedience, accepting of authority) is hard to break
Too few people know about WGU. Very low-cost. Non-profit. Not scammy like UoP. I wish they had a wider range of programs. In a few years, lots of university education will look a lot like WGU.
Many colleges/universities are starting to have pilot programs that have similar themes like WGU (competency based, self paced, online, etc). The biggest thing that some have mentioned about online that is constantly being disproved that online degrees are low value.
Some are yes, I won't deny there are some that are only worth the paper they are printed on.
That being said, WGU (and similar programs) not only offer accredited degrees but also help give experience. In the case of IT degrees, certificates are part of the program that help many get a step up and good for entry level. Long term value of certificates can be argued but in my opinion, they are worth it for those new to the field or wanting an extra step up. WGU I've also had my current employer (who is doing tuition reimbursement) have no issue with WGU as being worth more or less than any other accredited university.
