Education 2.0

Education 2.0 ?

A few interesting but seemingly unrelated events are taking place as we speak. The internet is changing the way we think about education and the manner in which we communicate (socialize). At the centre of this dramatic change, groups like google realized a quite a while back that someone had to put all this new information in order for others to utilize. And so they invaded search and in some sense are attempting to monopolize it. 

Universities and educational institutions chose not to be left behind and began initiatives in which they explored extensively the area of online education. As they sensed the push toward open source models they went on to create platforms in their institutions where information could be shared and some lectures provided at no cost. While core aspects of their learning materials were retained, students and learning enthusiasts were free to engage in intensive learning experiences with top level schools in the U.S and in the U.K which were previously reserved for the super bright and the wealthy. 

None of this would have been possible though without the existence of some internet infrastructure. Countries such as South Korea realized this and made the necessary changes to get ahead. 

On a more personal level, some of the simpler or even more complex support tasks could not take place without an good Internet connection. The availability of a good search engine meant that I would solve blue screen problems for windows xp, find answers for dual boot set ups for Ubuntu and Windows, as well as all sorts of other complex support challenges for apple devices. In short, search helped simplify computer support and even grow my business. 

In the last month or so, two Internet giants (facebook and google) have began a battle for the skies in an effort to give more Internet access to people in darker areas. This is commendable. 

The other more transformative aspect of this process though involves the emergence of new technology which wishes to merge the human interface with computing and naturally the Internet. After some extensive work with people with disabilities as well as in the field of neurology, it is now possible to control complex devices directly with simple thoughts. 

Connect this development with the emergence of the Internet and you have a recipe for a new kind of education and ultimately a new kind of student. 

I see a future where I will be able to pay for just the part of information that I need so that it is available upon request. Where as long as I have Internet time, I will have access to any fresh bits of information accessible with a thought. 

The only problem is that the process of learning changes and rest entirely on the user.