Re:College has been oversold (2011)
by wolfgoatcabbage on Sunday September 04, 2016 @03:56PM
(#12426394)
Not sure this is true, although it appears to be the dominant perception. Programming skills bear a closer resemblance to language learning or critical thinking for many practical applications. Perhaps NASA engineers, kernel gods and lovers of binary will remain in the minority, but I wouldn't be surprised to see scripting in languages like Swift and Python become a more ubiquitous skill in the next 10 years. Even writing basic iOS apps is not beyond the range of someone with a creative writing degree.
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And what share of 18-23 year olds are capable of learning a new language or critical thinking? Darn few. But nearly all are capable of partying, drinking, casual sex, and learning to write and appreciate fine arts a little better.
That's what we should be providing them with free college for.
Re:College has been oversold (2011)
by wolfgoatcabbage on Sunday September 04, 2016 @04:51PM
(#12426648)
They all knew their native languages and had enough critical thinking to be accepted to college. SAT/ACTs include math and writing sections. So I would venture all 18-23 year olds accepted to college can learn a language and think critically.
Critical thinking helps kids get accepted to college? It sure didn't help back in my day.
I should have said, few are capable of learning a new language without total immersion. And few are capable of learning to do linear algebra, calculus, or C++ well. Even fewer are capable of serious critical thinking.
But they can still mostly benefit from college.