Rethinking Formal Education: The Case Against Traditional Universities
Introduction: The article will explain the bootless of institutional, traditional higher education based on the experience of a writer with two degrees (BA and MA from top universities in different countries, hundreds of online courses), University lecturing and e-learning work experience, and hundreds of articles and videos she read over the long period.
Educational Technology (EdTech) has changed the field of higher education forever and ever, making education more flexible, affordable, and practically relevant. The pursuit of a prestigious degree is still entrenched in the minds of many people, but in reality, it might simply be a conformist bias. You will find out below the list of reasons why formal university/degree education is potentially a bad idea in the future (based on a comparison of e-learning and formal university education).
1.Affordability and flexibility — it is not a secret that universities might not be affordable, even for the most talented and hard-working teenagers. Families save money and get loans for a university degree, which might bring pain in the future, such as difficulties in finding a job. Most companies prefer to hire specialists with experience or specific skills if they are demonstrated.
At the same time, e-learning platforms offer flexible, affordable courses where you might acquire all the skills needed for a specific job role. The plan is to conduct your research (DYOR) and make a list of skills required for a career role you’re passionate about. Find and complete all courses related to each skill (it’s better to watch all lectures multiple times). Recorded and edited video lectures are much more efficient for our brains to absorb information, rather than being in a large classroom with hundreds of distractions.
2.“Mimic industries”. Universities often resemble rehearsal factories for real-life industries, yet many academic staff members lack success or achievements in the field of teaching. There exists a substantial disparity between what is taught at universities and the realities of the industry. Quite often, what is taught at the university level is disconnected from real-world circumstances.
3.No enthusiasm. There’s a lack of enthusiasm present in many university cohorts and among teachers. These groups seem more like quasi-assemblies driven by the motivation to merely check off the ‘diploma’ box for students and receive their pay checks for many teachers. Genuine educators shouldn’t just dispense facts and insights; they ought to serve as mentors and motivators for young minds in universities.
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The reality, however, reveals that most teachers are indifferent about their students’ futures and are eager to go home and rest. Genuine enthusiasm should naturally and voluntarily bring people together initially, rather than existing in situations where individuals pay significant amounts to join and receive payment for rendered services.
4.Employment. It’s a well-known fact that most companies and employers do not necessarily require degrees. Demonstrated skills, work experience, and a track record of projects and accomplishments collectively hold far more value than just a university degree.
5.AI is on the way. We’re not only in the era of informational technologies; we’re also entering the era of AI. Data-powered AI tools will soon be checking assignments without human factors and personal bias. However, it’s crucial to view AI tools as our personal assistants and enhancers of productivity, rather than something that will take our jobs away.
6.Soft Skills. Regrettably, many universities fail to prioritise students’ soft skills and networking opportunities. In reality, soft skills — 85% of success of many people. Typically, the foremost experts in specific industries are actively engaged in their fields, driving change, rather than being solely present in educational and academic institutions. Thus, networking events hold more value than merely being among peers who might be daydreaming about food during lectures.
7.Roughly 10% of Uni education is truly worth it — hard to learn, yet easy to apply. Education and training remain essential nonetheless. However, in today’s era, EdTech offers considerably more appealing alternatives for learning. Yet, certain disciplines and specializations demand proof of training due to their nature and high levels of responsibility, notably professions like healthcare workers and doctors. Additionally, complex skills and specializations — such as computer science and engineering — require extensive time and discipline to master.
8.Will universities be necessary in the future? Most probably, in the long-term perspective, universities will evolve into a different form, primarily serving as research and academic centres. EdTech will be integrated into higher educational systems, shifting the method of educational delivery towards online, VR, and other digital and flexible forms.
