How learning with NPL works
What are NPL courses like?
Our courses are all created with the needs of adult learners in mind. We have created engaging learning experiences that also provide plenty of flexibility for our learners to fit learning into their lives. Some of the features of our courses are:
Online, Anytime
NewPath Learn courses are asynchronous and online. You start anytime and study on your own at your own pace. We find this works well for most adult learners. We strongly emphasize the applied professional context, relating all content to the career area.
Professional & Applied
We strongly emphasize the applied professional context, relating all content to the career area. We avoid theoretical approaches and unnecessary content.
Authentic Assessment, no Exams
All assessment is connected to the professional context and happens within the course using quizzes, case studies, and skill assessments. There are no final, high stakes exams.
Flexibility
You pace yourself. You normally have 6 months to complete a course but if you need to pause (life happens!) or extend your time to complete, we offer those options. You can also finish a course in a shorter period of time, if that works for you.
Currency
We frequently update our programs to ensure we keep up with the rapid developments common in today’s workplace. All of our courses are reviewed annually to ensure they prepare you for both today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.
Expert Learning facilitation
Just because your course is self-paced does not mean you are all alone. All of our courses are supported by expert learning facilitators. Our facilitators are available to provide the assistance you need with your courses and to oversee your assessment.
We estimate that each course will take 35 to 50 hours to complete. We recommend our learners formulate goals and timelines that work for them.
NPL Programs
Our courses are normally grouped into programs of 5-7 courses. Completing a program provides a strong educational foundation for entering or advancing in relevant professional areas. We provide learners up to three years to complete their programs, but many are able to do it within a year. When learners complete a course, the next one is ready for them to begin as soon as they are ready–no waiting, no cancelations.
Join a Program
Learners have the option of joining a program. If they intend to complete a program, this helps us know about their goals. We provide program tracking, relevant communication, and other resources to help them be successul and supported.
Joining a program also saves learners money. We do charge a low fee to join a program but doing so entitles learners to discounts on program courses. In most cases the cost of joining a program is recovered 4X over by the time the program is completed.
Credit for Prior learning
Sometimes learners have prior experience or education relevant to the program. Some of our courses offer a PLA option. For a low fee, we assess learners mastry of the content of a course. If they pass, they are able to gain advance credit for the course. This saves them time and money. Most importantly, it means that they are not forced to repeat content they have already acquired.
