01-11-2015, 02:42 AM
(01-10-2015, 07:00 AM)JohnBear Wrote: Vankirk: "Wasn't one of Bear's daughters an "ethicist"? I've never heard of one but then we have a president who was a community organizer so I guess it may be legit."
Bear: My wife of 51 years earned her Ph.D. in philosophy (ethics) from Vanderbilt University. She has taught the subject at Berkeley City College for 15 years, and works with private clients. In a recent case, for instance, she helped a small town school board work through the matter of having a principal who was discovered to have bought a fake Master's degree online . . . but whom everyone agreed was doing a terrific job, and had done so for decades.
I just checked in to see what was happening at DL Truth and to my amazement (and good fortune), found out that the iconic ""Father of Distance Education" (as it was called back in the 80's), Dr. John B. Bear was posting here. Let me take the opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year JB! I'm glad to hear that you and your family are all doing well.
While there are so many things to say and the proverbial so little time to do it, may I ask what is your current view of the state of DL with respect to accreditation? Is regional accreditation like a medallion cab or a liquor license in that it makes the holder almost immune from outside competition? Is it even possible for a new school to get off the ground or has that time passed?
Additionally, do you have any strong feelings on the rise (and recent fall) of for-profits and their place at the collegiate/university level? Thanks Doc.