Online Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Collaborative Instrument For Content Experts, Faculty, And Nontraditional Students

Abstract

Current and future adult students in nontraditional degree programs have concerns about the future of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and the development of related policies and procedures within higher education. This paper documents my involvement in developing a PLA online course that was specifically geared toward the analyses of program development, organizational management, and leadership. The project included four universities in Illinois that collaboratively designed an online course that can be duplicated by other universities and organizations to provide students, faculty, and content experts with quality approaches to PLA and overall PLA program evaluation. The project also included starting a registry of PLA assessors that may be utilized by other PLA providers.