MINNEAPOLIS, May 23, 2014--Capella University's FlexPath program has been named a winner of the Blackboard Catalyst Innovation Award, which recognizes those who think outside the box in areas such as teaching and learning practices, software development, mobile innovation, cloud innovation, online program management and more.
“It’s an honor each year to recognize forward-thinking educators who are helping create a world inspired to learn through the work they do every day,” said Jay Bhatt, Blackboard CEO. “We congratulate the Catalyst Award winners on their vision and innovative approaches to education, and celebrate their accomplishments with them.”
The U.S. Department of Education approved Capella University’s innovative FlexPath direct-assessment programs in August 2013. This made Capella the first university to offer competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that utilize an approved direct-assessment learning model. Capella’s FlexPath programs offer the potential to significantly reduce the cost of a degree, accelerate the time required for degree completion, and better align learning to the needs of the student, employers and society. Traditionally, degree programs are constructed around credit hours that measure the time required to complete specific courses. Under the FlexPath model, degree programs are constructed around the direct assessment of demonstrated competencies.
For over a decade, the Blackboard Catalyst Awards have recognized and honored innovation and excellence in the Blackboard global community of practice, where millions of teachers and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. The Blackboard Catalyst Awards are an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments in education technology and help raise the standard for the entire community. Representatives of Capella have been invited to be recognized alongside other Blackboard Catalyst Award winners during BbWorld®, Blackboard’s annual user conference to be held in July in Las Vegas, Nev.
About Capella University Capella University (www.capella.edu) is a regionally accredited online university* that offers online degree programs designed to help working adults advance in their careers. Over 70 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 141 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 25 certificate programs, including six new direct assessment degree delivery programs**. Approximately 36,000 students were enrolled as of March 31, 2014, from all 50 states and 61 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.
** In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (ED) direct assessment approval requirements, a notification has been submitted to the ED so that the IT and Psychology FlexPath programs may be eligible for federal financial aid. These programs are currently not approved for federal financial aid. Capella University will keep applicants and learners interested in FlexPath fully informed of any decisions made by the ED.