Creating a Virtual Transcript: Adding Value to My Non-Traditional Degree

[UptonSinclair]

While reading an essay from my Perspectives on New Media reader from BYU, I thought of a way to add value to my non-traditional degree. Most of us put in long hours studying for the next CLEP or DSST. We scour the web for an affordable writing class and write papers that would compete in quality with those at major universities. Unfortunately, when many academics, employers, and peers see so many exam credits there is a tendency to believe we took a short cut. In their attempt to preserve an antiquated system, they reject alternatives that provide equivalent knowledge.

In response, I have decided to create a virtual transcript. I plan to build a web page that contains hyperlinks to each exam I have taken and the preparation materials I used to pass each exam. Most of my studying comes from iTunesU or used textbooks purchased online. For my writing courses, I will include every paper I have written for the given class. I imagine a master document showing the class or exam (the virtual transcript) with a hyperlink to a dedicated page for each class. When it comes time to apply for Grad school, I can include the url for my virtual transcript with my application.

What do you think? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

[ncpenn]

One question: why on the web? Or I guess more specifically, what if you also had a paper-based document as well?

For example, resumes are still mostly paper. It's often easier to read something in your hand verses taking the time to visit a link (especially for some members of the baby-boomer generation) . . . at least in my experience.

I like the idea; I'd just have it in soft and hard copy for various situations.

[UptonSinclair]

You make a very good point. The only issue I see with a hard copy is length. When dealing with employers, TLDR can be a big issue. I have a strict one page resume rule. As far as grad school, I am clueless.

Mainly, my response to why on the web is the web server in my living room closet. It gives me something to do when I am avoiding my next writing assignment.