End of the University as we know it?

A very provocative article on the impact of technology, and the democratization of learning through MOOCs, suggests that the current model of residential-based higher education is doomed.  While I am not sure I agree with the dire predictions, anyone involved in higher education, and especially expansion of opportunity around the world, should think about the issues raised in this article.

The prediction is not good for student affairs services/programs under the scenario described by the author, Nathan Harden.  Halfway through the article, he comments:

Along with luxury dorms and dining halls, vast athletic facilities, state of the art game rooms, theaters and student centers have come layers of staff and non-teaching administrators, all of which drives up the cost of the college degree without enhancing student learning.

WITHOUGH ENHANCING STUDENT LEARNING is the key in the statement above.  If you believe that student affairs has something to offer in traditional and the new emerging market of technology-enhanced learning, then the focus will need to be on enhancing learning.