Straighterline New Proctor Policy Change

[bldclot2]

StraighterLine,

Let us not forget that you rely on your loyal customers to advertise by way of word of mouth advertising.

1) This was a poorly executed plan on StraighterLine's part, trying to implement changes that they themselves weren't fully ready to implement properly always spells trouble.
2) By forcing us to use Proctor U and not allowing for additional proctoring options, StraighterLine has alienated their loyal customer base. A customer base that thrives on independent non-traditional higher education that’s affordable.
3) By making proctoring mandatory for everyone regardless of whether it is required by their educational institutions, StraighterLine has effectively punished all for the actions of a few.
4) If proctoring makes StraighterLine’s coursework a more reliable/viable source for educational credit, again why can’t the student select their own proctor, for example a local librarian or City College proctor that will make the cost of proctoring low or free?
5) I would liked to have seen StraighterLine approach this change with more consideration for their loyal customers, by implementing the required proctoring change by phases and using the “Problem Solving Process” below.

PHASE 1 - Inform the customer of changes to come.
PHASE 2 - Spell out the changes and the additional cost to the customer (Don’t put out some half-ass explanation of the changes)
PHASE 3 - Set date for changes to take effect (Don’t blindside the customer with changes that take effect within weeks, give them time to react and finish courses before the change, why not implement a change date of January 1, 2013)
PHASE 4 - Implement changes.

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
1. Recognize And Define The Problem
2. Gather Facts And Make Assumptions
3. Define End States And Establish Criteria
4. Develop Possible Solutions
5. Analyze And Compare Possible Solutions
6. Select And Implement Solution
7. Analyze Solution For Effectiveness

ROAD BLOCKS TO PROBLEM SOLVING
Fear Of Failure
Tunnel Vision
Over Seriousness
Over Certainty
Binding Customs
Fear Of The Unknown
Command Pressure
FAILURE TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
FAILURE TO TALK WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM
LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATION TO MAKE VALID ASSUMPTIONS
NOT IDENTIFYING ALL OF THE PLAYERS
NOT SPECIFYING THE DESIRED ENDSTATE