Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by carlinmack on Monday June 22, 2020 @10:51AM
(#23600840)
maybe so, but there is a certain level of self-discipline and privilege needed to be able to study just from books. Lots of people on CS and other courses want friendly exposure to new ideas, not a recommendation of a list of text books
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by mixedCase on Monday June 22, 2020 @11:06AM
(#23601027)
That's more of a personal thing. It's far easier to me to study a technical book on something I know is useful compared to cramming for exams, doing nonsensical assignments, forcing myself through a specific pace that fits a semester, dealing with professors that never seem to be having a good day, wasting time commuting to the faculty (assuming you don't live in campus), etc. I can do that for money, but having to pay and be less efficient at learning than just googling stuff is what drove me to drop out.
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by DreamScatter on Monday June 22, 2020 @04:45PM
(#23606372)
Same here, you summed up succinctly why I also have not followed through with a degree. The academic system is now more of a hindrance than a help, compared to studying independently and maintaining connections outside academia. Academia has failed to adapt to modern learning.
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by _curious_ on Monday June 22, 2020 @10:55AM
(#23600898)
Do you view the ability to study and learn from books as a privilege?
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by dougmwne on Monday June 22, 2020 @11:09AM
(#23601072)
Standard teacher education says that each student has a learning style that is most effective for them. https://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/
A person who learns well from books in a solitary setting is at a huge advantage compared to someone who needs a social-kinesthetic style.
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by Miraste on Monday June 22, 2020 @11:49AM
(#23601530)
Although "learning styles" are widely believed by teachers, there's no evidence that they affect learning. They're basically horoscopes--vague enough to make sense on an intuitive level, but false [0]. In practice, tailoring lessons to this belief reduces effectiveness [1].
[0] https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/04/the-myth...
[1] https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/05/learning-sty...
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by xvedejas on Monday June 22, 2020 @11:01AM
(#23600978)
It certainly is in comparison to someone raised illiterate, or in any number of unfortunate situations. But in comparison to the privilege of a university education? I'm a bit surprised by the suggestion. If self-taught knowledge is really the marker of privilege in 2020, I'd expect it to be far more attractive than going to university by now. On the contrary, it is not, because learning from books has a much lower bar. You can't use it to select for the well-connected.
Re:The University Is Like a CD in the Streaming Age
by mountainboot on Monday June 22, 2020 @11:49AM
(#23601529)
Going to university requires more privilege than learning from a book.
Disclaimer: I am self-taught in CS, but also have an Engineering degree. I entirely agree that the social aspect of university is the largest benefit.