I do not want to beat the subject to death but I have done some more research on this area and have some points to clarify and present. 1. I am still convinced that a person can earn a degree level qualification based on experience learning. The issue has more to do with the level of learning and contents. 2. It is justified to have doubts about these programs since there is no established standard to measure the outcomes. However, this does not discount the idea of using such means to gain qualifications. 3. Looking at the UK as an example, there are numerous means to gain a degree type qualification without attending a direct university. Example is the city and guilds designations and now the work based learning programs offered by some universities. 4. It seem the experience based approach would be more suitable for a local college to the student than via distance learning. The college could assign a real mentor and guide to complete whatever documents and work needed. The student could also do a work based project in partnership with the employer. 5. A key issue in this whole process is honesty and integrity and this is why some schools seem to be called degree mills, since they do not pursue a rigorous approach to ensure a particular student is qualified. The key is to balance the standard required for degree qualification and have the relevant skills to perform on the job. I have seen some folks on here give the impression that work experience and academics are foriegn to each other. Thats not true because a good professional would have worked with degreed professionals and that would raise their level of thinking and view of things. The best thing I have discovered is the Mprof and Dprof which validates the idea that work based projects can be equated to academic level qualifications.
All the points you state are valid. And the KEY is verified! The argument against most "experiential programs" is that all you have to do is send in a resume and they will give you a degree, what ever level you want. I could have my dog get a docotrate if no one verifies the work. The best current system available in the US is the protfolio system where you prove and have it verified that you have learned what is required.
