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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The End of College summary
Kevin Carey
Creating the Future of Learning and the University of Everywhere
18 mins
Brief summary
'The End of College' by Kevin Carey argues that traditional higher education is too expensive and outdated. He proposes alternative online models that are more flexible, affordable, and accessible.
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The End of College
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Key idea 1 of 7
The future of higher education is online, and it’s already here.
Let’s face facts. The American higher education system isn’t fit for its purpose. It produces too many dropouts, lets degrees drag on and limits the scope of their subject matter.
There are studies to back this up. It’s been shown that not even two-fifths of enrolled students meet the four-year deadline for graduating from college. What’s more, two-thirds of them still haven’t graduated after six years.
The US census confirms this. According to the 2014 census, an incredible 35 million people over the age of 25 have dropped out of college.
And what about the skills the students were meant to learn? Sociologists Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa conducted a survey of students from a diverse range of colleges in the United States. The study found that after two years of college, 45 percent of students had not advanced in fundamental disciplines. These included critical thinking, communication and analytical reasoning. Even after the full four years of college, 46 percent of the students had made no statistically significant progress.
But there’s a solution. It’s what the author calls the University of Everywhere. It’s a new way to get educated. Free online courses will be available to everyone wherever or whenever they want them, 24/7.
It’ll be much more egalitarian too. It’s not just a finishing school for the wealthy or for those burdened with big loans. There will simply be no debts because there are no overheads online.
This isn’t some crazy vision of the future. The University of Everywhere is already here.
The author himself attended an introductory series on biology by a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The class had been set up by edX, an online educational organization established by MIT and Harvard University.
So if online courses are the future, what went wrong in the first place?
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What is The End of College about?
The End of College (2015) is about the American higher education system. These blinks give a historical overview of how the author sees the development of the American university and its evolution from European models. He evaluates its current status and advocates for the University of Everywhere – a remotely accessible university of the future.
The End of College Review
The End of College (2015) by Kevin Carey is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional notion of higher education and its role in society. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offering evidence-based insights and data-driven analysis, the book presents a compelling argument for the need to reform our current education system.
- By exploring innovative alternatives to traditional college, it opens up new possibilities and encourages readers to think critically about the future of education.
- With its engaging storytelling and well-researched content, this book manages to make complex ideas accessible and ensures that readers stay captivated throughout.
Who should read The End of College?
- Students of public policy and education policy
- People curious about online learning
- Historians interested in higher education
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The End of College FAQs
What is the main message of The End of College?
The main message of The End of College is that traditional higher education is becoming outdated and new models of learning are emerging.
How long does it take to read The End of College?
The reading time for The End of College varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The End of College a good book? Is it worth reading?
The End of College is a thought-provoking read. It challenges conventional notions of education and offers insights into the future of learning.
Who is the author of The End of College?
The author of The End of College is Kevin Carey.
What to read after The End of College?
If you're wondering what to read next after The End of College, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- Grasp by Sanjay Sarma
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Learn Better by Ulrich Boser
- The Art of Living Alone and Loving It by Jane Mathews
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