All the Benefits of Print… in Online Education

by Robyn Tellefsen

Given the fact that the printed word has been going the way of the dodo bird, it makes sense for major corporations like The New York Times Company to make as many of its resources available for online consumption as possible. And why not extend the benefits of print to online education?

That's what The Times has been doing since September 2007, when it launched The New York Times Knowledge Network to deliver lifelong learning programs, making its own extensive resources available to online and on-campus students.

(The full resources of The New York Times are not available to casual surfers anymore, so this is a big deal. Beginning in March 2011, The Times implemented a digital subscription plan, which limits NYTimes.com reader access to 20 free articles a month. Unlimited access requires a paid subscription.)

So, what does a New York Times course look like? It depends. "Programs of Study" courses like "DNA Ethical Dilemmas," "California Wines," and "Creating Video for the Web" are developed and taught by New York Times journalists or professional staff. Other courses are presented in collaboration with colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, offering the expertise of renowned faculty in addition to the full resources of The Times. Most New York Times courses are non-credit continuing education courses, but credit-bearing courses and certificate programs are available as well.

New Online Certificate Programs
In fact, for Fall 2011, The New York Times Knowledge Network is collaborating with Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) to offer six undergraduate accredited certificate programs: Business, Technology and Communications; Global Leadership; Cybercrime and Computer Forensics; Global Security, Safety and Terrorism Studies; United States Homeland Security Studies; and Global Healthcare and Human Services.

Featuring courses such as "Cyber Sleuthing and The Courtroom," "Inside the Mind of a Terrorist," and "The Road to Wellness," these new programs are designed to prepare students for fast-growing careers in cutting-edge fields. Each online certificate program consists of six, three-credit courses, which can be completed in one year or at your own pace. All courses are taught by FDU faculty and feature content from The New York Times Digital Content Repository. Courses are open to all students and may be taken individually or used toward one of the professional certificates.

Whether you want to supplement your current degree program, add substance to your resume, or revitalize your career, it looks like The Times has your online education hookup. And perhaps if print and digital media continue to collaborate in the name of education, the printed word won't become extinct after all.