Volume 12, No. 1 of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning is a special edition on ‘Prior, Experiential and Informal Learning in Open and Distance Institutions’, with guest editor Dianne Conrad, of Athabasca University.
This is a topic (called variously PLAR, PLA, RPL, APL, etc.) with a long history, and it is interesting to see how the approach of pioneers such as Empire State College compare with that of newer participants such as Capella University. The discussion of PLAR inevitably raises fundamental questions about assessment of learning, both in terms of purpose and practice.
Also a recurring thread through several of the articles is the relationship between PLAR and e-portfolios.
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
Thanks for sharing it. Timely as usual. But I am afraid the above link doesn’t work. This is correct: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl
Oops – sorry about that and thanks, Antonella. Now corrected.