Modern Day Education
By Sudheer Satyanarayana
In the past, formal education was primarily accessible through schools, colleges, and universities. However, this is no longer the only path to gaining knowledge. Today, with the vast array of modern tools and technologies available online, self-education has become more viable than ever. If you have the motivation and discipline, you can learn virtually any subject without attending a traditional institution.
Education is now widely accessible through various online resources, including:
- Videos – educational videos have become a powerful medium for learning, offering a rich visual experience that often surpasses traditional lectures or text-based materials. Platforms like YouTube host a vast collection of educational content, making complex topics more engaging and accessible to learners worldwide. For many, visual learning enhances understanding and retention, making video-based education an essential tool in modern learning.
- Generative AI tools – AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT and Google Gemini provide instant explanations and interactive learning support, making them valuable resources for self-education. Many topics can be effectively learned using just these tools, as they enable a conversational learning experience where users can ask questions and receive responses in natural language. Unlike traditional classroom settings, AI allows learners to ask unlimited questions—ones they might hesitate to ask a lecturer, professor, or peers. These tools can serve as a virtual mentor, tutor, or study companion, helping users plan customized curricula, create structured learning schedules, and guide them throughout their educational journey. However, since generative AI can sometimes produce errors, critical thinking and proper validation of information remain essential.
- Wikipedia – the Internet’s encyclopedia and a comprehensive reference source covering almost any subject.
- Online learning platforms – platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, Udemy, and edX provide a wide range of free and paid courses, making quality education accessible to learners worldwide.
- Articles, tutorials, and blogs – the internet is filled with expert-written articles, in-depth tutorials, and insightful blog posts covering nearly every topic. These resources provide step-by-step guidance and real-world insights, making self-learning more accessible than ever.
- eBooks and digital libraries – platforms like Amazon Kindle, Project Gutenberg, and PDF repositories offer access to books in various formats. Additionally, audiobooks on platforms like Audible and Librivox provide an alternative way to absorb knowledge, allowing for learning on the go.
- Podcasts – Educational podcasts provide an easy way to learn on the go, offering expert insights, interviews, and deep discussions on various subjects. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts feature countless educational series.
- Forums and online communities – platforms like Reddit and Stack Exchange allow users to ask questions and engage in discussions with experts and enthusiasts.
- Specialized learning websites – dedicated platforms for coding, language learning, and other skills provide interactive experiences.
With these resources, anyone with internet access can pursue knowledge independently, making education more flexible and accessible than ever before.
Exceptions: When Formal Education Is Necessary
While self-education is powerful, some fields still require hands-on training due to legal and ethical considerations. Examples include:
- Medical and healthcare professions – becoming a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist requires clinical training and licensing to ensure patient safety. Even here, there is scope to utilize technology to minimize the role of college and university.
- Aviation and commercial piloting – pilots need rigorous training and flight experience to operate aircraft legally.
- Skilled trades and hazardous industries – professions like electricians, welders, and construction workers often require apprenticeships and certifications for safety and regulatory compliance.
While online education can provide foundational knowledge in these fields, formal training, licensing, and real-world experience are essential for professional practice.
With the right resources, self-learners can acquire valuable skills in technology fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. Online education provides a flexible, accessible, and industry-relevant alternative to traditional learning. In many cases, equivalent knowledge can be gained without pursuing a formal Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, as practical skills and real-world experience often matter more than credentials in these fields.
The Evolving Role Of The Universities
- No More Repetitive Lectures – high-quality lectures should be recorded once and made accessible to all students, eliminating redundancy and enabling self-paced learning. Universities can also leverage third-party video repositories rather than creating identical content independently. As education evolves, the traditional lecturer’s role is diminishing. Instead of merely delivering lectures, educators must shift their focus toward mentorship, personalized guidance, and facilitating deeper learning experiences.
- Focused On Assessment – universities should prioritize conducting rigorous tests and evaluations to ensure students grasp key concepts and skills. There should be other organisations such as non-profit organizations, non-government organizations and for-profit companies to provide the assessment services.
- Personalized Mentorship – professors and advisors should act as mentors, guiding students in their academic and career paths rather than just delivering lectures.
- A Lifelong Learning Community – universities should cultivate a strong network of current students and alumni, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth.
- Flexible Learning Schedules – self-paced education should be the standard. Students who master material quickly can accelerate their studies, while those who need more time can progress at their own pace. There is little justification for universities or regulators to impose fixed timeframes for degree programs. The distinction between a three-year vs. four-year course, or fifteen vs. sixteen years of education, should be irrelevant—what matters is competency, not the duration of study.
- The curriculum should be continuously re-evaluated, with regulations and standards evolving based on evidence rather than the subjective decisions of a closed committee. Educational policies must prioritize data-driven improvements over outdated, insular decision-making.
- The legitimacy of self-education through the internet must be recognized, as knowledge is no longer confined to traditional academic institutions. Skills and expertise should be valued based on merit and capability rather than solely on formal credentials. In a typical job application, a candidate’s education is always requested—such forms should include an option to specify “internet-educated” to acknowledge self-taught professionals. Of course, even those who have pursued a traditional college or university degree can continue to enhance their education through online learning.
