Here is one of the most useful publications that I have encountered lately. It was written by Anya Kamenetz and it's amazingly insightful in the analysis of how learning has dramatically changed and how we can take advantage of the resources available in our schizophrenic new world. This is so good, even the Table of Contents is good.

Edupunk's Guide to a DIY Credential

Table of Contents 

How to use the Edupunks’ Guide 

Edupunk Quiz
 
DIY Education Manual

HowTo 1: Do Research Online
 
HowTo 2: Write a Personal Learning Plan HowTo 3: Teach Yourself Online
 
HowTo 4: Build Your Personal Learning Network HowTo 5: Find a Mentor
 
HowTo 6: Get a Credential
 
HowTo 7: Demonstrate Value to a Network

A: Get Ready (pre-college/ exploratory/supportive)

A.1: What Do You Like? What Do You Want to Be?

Personality Tests and Quizzes Career Search Sites

A.2: College Search Services
 
Box: Online vs. For-Profit Colleges
 
A.3: Professional Licenses and Certification Programs
 
A.4 Alternative Programs for Pre-College or non-College Learners

Adult Basic Education Veterans
High Schoolers

B: Finish Line (some college/ college completion/ college credits / alternative college programs)

Box: Tips on Getting College Credit for Prior Learning B.1 College Credit Services

BOX: 7 Ways to Earn College Credit Without Taking A College Class
 
BOX: 7 Ways to LEARN College Material for College Credit Without Taking a College Class

B.2 On-Ramps to College

B.3 For Returning Champions (College Completion)
 
B.4 Design Your Own Learning
 
C: Open World (non-accredited, open learning, professional networks)  

C.1 Open Content
 
C.2 Open Social Learning
 
C.3 Open Learning Institutions
 
Box: Dan Diebolt’s independent learning methods.
 
C.4 Open Ed Startups
 
C.5 Reputation Networks
 
Conclusion