Hey Friends,

I have to talk this week about Education. But, also how technology could play a major role in the future,

It's fair to say, UK education has been through the mill this week. Thousands of students had their expected grades downgraded, some eventually reinstated (Scotland), others left in a mess (England, Wales, NI).

Where do we go from here? Is it time to rethink Higher Education?

I read an interesting article by Nat Liason, which suggested that once we are fully out of quarantine, Uni's need to adapt. Everyone now knows it's possible to deliver a lot of content online, so are students going to be happy paying such high fees? He proposed a new model which:

1. Unbundles Lecturers from Universities
2. Unbundles Students from Universities
3. Unbundles Degrees, create tracks

I think this model has a lot of merit. It give students a lot of flexibility and would be a great to show how technology can make a positive impact, when used for what it was intended. Nat's suggestion could be taken a step further with a model I call 'Lifelong decentralised learning'.

Here's my idea. Rather than going to one college\Uni for three/four years, students could create their own modular degree, under different Lecturer's at different college and Universities, over any time period.

For example, a student could spend a year at College (1) learning fundamentals in their field. College is a fantastic place to do this, due it's practical nature. Next, they may choose to spend a year on campus at University (1), studying core modules related to their field under Lecturer (A). They could then choose to enter employment, and study remotely for six months under another Lecturer (B) at University (2), taking specialised modules to refine their skills. Next, another six month's on campus at University (3), taking broader 'entrepreneur' skills that would be useful for the future, under Lecturer (C). And so on.

In essence, why stop? Students could enter the world of work earlier, on a career track degree, and keep learning, sometimes remotely, sometimes part-time, and even sometimes on campus, through company sponsored sabbaticals. When you have accumulated enough credits you receive a degree, then carry on. Continuing to take more modules (of your choosing) as you continue through life. Once you have accumulated enough credits, you receive a Masters, and then a PhD...and so on.

Lifelong decentralised education, where the student is in full control to choose what they want to learn, where, and under which expert Lecturers in their chosen field.

Of course, we would still need some people to take the more traditional route; we will still need Lecturers after all. However, why force everyone through the same system, when we have an opportunity to change.

What do you think? Would it be great to have the flexibility of studying in different countries, under expert Lecturers of your choosing, working as you go along? Let me know.

Chris

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Things I've found interesting this week

\\ One Article A link to Nat's initial article about the future of Higher Education.

\\ Two Podcast A podcast episode by two recovering addicts (drugs) who this week spoke about the growing problem of social media addiction. Two inspirational ladies showing addiction can be beaten, and using their experience to help others.

Favourite Quote

The world is changing, and I refuse to be part of yours - The Greatest Showman

I watched this movie this week for the first time, at an open air cinema. A good reminder that we can all choose to create our own future, rather than accept the one forced upon by others.

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