Learning Ecosystems

Arabic is not a universal language, least of all in Pennsylvania. But by developing a fully online undergraduate degree in Arabic language and culture, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) will soon make Arabic universally available across its 14 colleges and universities — with other online language programs to follow.

The plan comes amid efforts by PASSHE administrators to consolidate resources across the system by cutting programs at some institutions that can be offered online by others. A pending budget proposal by Governor Tom Corbett would cut the system’s funding by more than half in the coming year, and language programs on a number of campuses have already been shuttered.