Excelsior "the only outcomes-based"?

At http://www.excelsior.edu/news_2003-06-11_top100.htm, it says: "Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu) is the only institution in the country offering degree programs based exclusively on outcomes-based assessment of learning."

What distinction is Excelsior here making between itself and TESC, COSC, and WGU? I think I'm missing something.

 

Does it reflect that they teach no courses at all.

 

"WGU faculty do not develop content, nor do they teach courses." -- http://horizon.unc.edu/projects/OTH/6-4.asp

"Q: Does Excelsior College offer technology courses? A: No. We do not offer any courses." -- http://www.excelsior.edu/tec_faqs.htm

"A little correction - Excelsior College does not offer courses at the undergraduate level. However, since 1998 we have offered classes at the graduate level." -- http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=65f6d049.0204231108.6c9eb1bc%40posting.google.com

 

I still don't understand why Excelsior claims to be, "the only institution in the country offering degree programs based exclusively on outcomes-based assessment of learning."

Doesn't TESC and COSC do this as well?

While we are talking about Excelsior, have any of you actually followed through on courses that pop up on their distance learning course finder? Has anyone noticed that A LOT of the courses are either:

A> Not offered anymore.

B> Not REALLY DL courses, but courses that are taken at sattelite campus or corporate networks (eg. Indiana State University has a bunch of engineering type courses that are NOT available to people other than indiana residents; BUT, show as WWW).

C> Tuition is wrong.

I am not one to complain (well maybe a little); however, I think Excelsior should put a little more detail in their course descriptions AND keep them up to date (tuition, availability, etc.)

I have talked to Excelsior a while ago and they told me that it was up to the school to give them the updated info. That's fine and good but it's on their frikken website. I still use it (I think its a great tool)... I just will be a little more skeptical about certain courses I find on it from now on.

Best Regards,
Bill