One of the main problems with college and the educational system is the monopoly on accreditation. Many people will say that attending university is a waste of time and money especially for jobs which do not require a license or degree from the state to practice. While this is probably true, a lot of young people are unwilling to re-think higher education simply because it provides a credential for prospective employers and it’s considered a social standard.
With the internet and all technologies available today, self education is more accessible than ever – you can learn nearly anything online. Leonardo da Vinci and all the other famous autodidacts would feel like they were in heaven if they were around today.
The problem arises when trying to get a job or even just start your own venture without some form of authority stating you have the knowledge or skills necessary. Something like a reputation/merit system for individuals who want to pursue self-education would be a great tool. What can be done to facilitate the process for people who have made the decision to not pursue traditional higher education, but instead focus on teaching themselves?
