How to Get Involved in Disrupting Higher Education?

As many have pointed out, the best way to disrupt traditional higher education is to self-educate. You don't need permission to learn, nor do you necessarily need a teacher; what you do need is the burning desire to acquire knowledge and skills. As one who has spent the last 25 years working within this field, I can attest that countless vendors and external actors have promised to disrupt education with grand ideas that often fail.

The reasons such endeavors fail are manifold. Firstly, higher education is a system deeply intertwined with social values and subsidized by the government. Secondly, the sector is heavily self-regulated by accrediting agencies. Thirdly, the tenure system, although a declining factor, still holds sway over many seasoned advisors. Due to these intricate factors, those outside the educational community often fail to comprehend its inner workings and dynamics, leading to failed attempts.

However, change is happening. Younger faculty and administrators are taking more creative approaches to tackle financial and logistical challenges, although progress is gradual.

Change Yourself, and Change Higher Education:

But how can you get involved in disrupting higher education, and what can you do to make a real impact? Here are several ideas that can help you contribute to the cause:

1. Teach Different Classes and Cultures

A powerful way to disrupt higher education is by teaching a subject to students from different social classes and/or races. This can be achieved through venues such as Trade School in New York City, and various others both online and offline.

These platforms offer a unique opportunity to bridge gaps in education and understanding, fostering a more inclusive and equal learning environment. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can inspire a new generation of learners and promote a more diverse and open educational landscape.

2. Contribute to Open Educational Resources (OER)

Another important contribution you can make is by contributing to open educational resources (OER). OER are materials that can be used freely, modified, and shared. This can be done by uploading content to OER repositories, making it much easier for teachers and learners to find alternatives to materials produced by major textbook publishers.

This step not only democratizes access to education but also encourages innovation in teaching methods and materials. By adding your voice to the collective efforts, you can help make education more accessible and relevant to a wider audience.

3. Enhance Interactivity in Educational Resources

Furthermore, enhancing the interactivity of OER can greatly improve the learning experience. While traditional OER often consist of static resources like readings and videos, adding interactivity such as quizzes or discussion threads can help learners engage more deeply with the material.

For example, you can contribute questions to TED Education talks and iTunes U content. By doing so, you can help learners actively extend and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. Platforms like Quora and Reddit are excellent places to start these discussions, fostering a community of learners who are actively engaged in the learning process.

By taking these steps, you can play a significant role in disrupting the traditional higher education framework and empowering students to take charge of their learning journey. Remember, the key to successful disruption lies in understanding the unique dynamics of the higher education system. Only then can you truly make a lasting impact.

Conclusion: Change starts with you. By sharing your knowledge, contributing to open resources, and enhancing the interactivity of educational materials, you can help bring about a more inclusive, accessible, and dynamic higher education system.