I think we are becoming confused about what it is to be educated. I see all these ads and campaign promises for education. Everything from pre-k to college and graduate studies. The thing we are being told is, a college education is imperative. If you do not have a degree you are not educated. Well, let us not confuse education with intelligence ! Different things entirely. Some would call it common sense but that isn't exactly right, know lots of really smart people without a lick of that. And I also know a lot of really smart folks without an education. So just what is an education ? An education is to be informed. Yes, but the true test of education is the application of that knowledge.
Just passing a course of instruction does not guarantee you are educated. The best teachers know this truth and try to instruct us in that way.They are not as concerned about the curriculum, as the education. How to apply the knowledge in everyday situations is the primary function of an education.
All these institutions of learning and one's online nowadays, are for profit organizations. Call me skeptical but I believe if you pay your fees long enough anyone can obtain a degree. The real difference being the quality of that degree, the quality of the education received. Reputable institutions would be concerned with that but let us consider the other options. An online course of instruction ? Can I not just google my answers without having to give thought to what is being asked ? Is it the honor system ? Whatever the case, the whole deal smacks of profit to me. The whole object of this big push in " education " is more for the profit of those providing the " education " than the person receiving it.
I wonder too if a deception isn't being perpetrated in all of this. False expectations from those receiving this education. Are they being taken advantage of ? Especially those unable to afford a mainstream institution or academically unqualified to do so. The reality is that not all of us are college material. There are those among us that are not academically inclined and that is as it should be. This perception that in order to have worth you must possess a degree, is an injustice. It simply isn't true.
The real issue in all of this is in how do we measure education ? Having earned (or bought one ) is not always a reliable indicator of intelligence. A sign of persistence perhaps and goal setting,both admirable qualities. The question remains however, why was this degree sought ? For the potential income to be derived from it, or for the sake of education ? The advertising indicates the former. You can make more money. Maybe so, but not necessarily. There are those with a thirst for knowledge. Now, it would seem, you can be spoon fed. For a fee. It could be argued it has always been so and that position defended. I just wonder if we are not cheaping the process. And when the process is cheap, so are the results.
Just passing a course of instruction does not guarantee you are educated. The best teachers know this truth and try to instruct us in that way.They are not as concerned about the curriculum, as the education. How to apply the knowledge in everyday situations is the primary function of an education.
All these institutions of learning and one's online nowadays, are for profit organizations. Call me skeptical but I believe if you pay your fees long enough anyone can obtain a degree. The real difference being the quality of that degree, the quality of the education received. Reputable institutions would be concerned with that but let us consider the other options. An online course of instruction ? Can I not just google my answers without having to give thought to what is being asked ? Is it the honor system ? Whatever the case, the whole deal smacks of profit to me. The whole object of this big push in " education " is more for the profit of those providing the " education " than the person receiving it.
I wonder too if a deception isn't being perpetrated in all of this. False expectations from those receiving this education. Are they being taken advantage of ? Especially those unable to afford a mainstream institution or academically unqualified to do so. The reality is that not all of us are college material. There are those among us that are not academically inclined and that is as it should be. This perception that in order to have worth you must possess a degree, is an injustice. It simply isn't true.
The real issue in all of this is in how do we measure education ? Having earned (or bought one ) is not always a reliable indicator of intelligence. A sign of persistence perhaps and goal setting,both admirable qualities. The question remains however, why was this degree sought ? For the potential income to be derived from it, or for the sake of education ? The advertising indicates the former. You can make more money. Maybe so, but not necessarily. There are those with a thirst for knowledge. Now, it would seem, you can be spoon fed. For a fee. It could be argued it has always been so and that position defended. I just wonder if we are not cheaping the process. And when the process is cheap, so are the results.
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