If Learning Does Not Change Us, What Is It For?
Akinwale Ekundayo If learning is to have what it takes to do great things, who or what is responsible for the ‘becoming’ of those who do things? Over the years,
If learning is to achieve greatness, the question arises: who or what is responsible for the transformation of individuals who undertake such endeavors? Throughout history, numerous individuals have embraced various learning systems for diverse motivations. A primary objective remains the enrichment and empowerment obtained through education.
Parents, particularly in the formative stages of human development, have consistently enrolled their offspring in educational pursuits for a myriad of reasons. Early on, royal patrons invited esteemed scholars to impart knowledge to their children, encompassing familiar and unfamiliar subjects. This privileged form of learning primarily benefited the nobility, while the learners themselves remained unchanged, merely more proficient in their domain of expertise.
However, as populations expanded and territorial conflicts escalated, the demand for expanded knowledge and technological advancements surged. Kings sought more knowledgeable individuals to govern their realms effectively and manage their burgeoning populations. Consequently, this necessitated the establishment of structured educational institutions, known as "schools," designed to categorize learning into distinct disciplines, shaping each learner into a master of their respective field.
These institutions imparted knowledge that enabled learners to attain the prestigious titles of Bachelor, Master, or Doctor, yet hindered their ability to govern effectively – a domain reserved exclusively for those of royal blood. While this educational framework provided ample benefits for educators, who experienced greater recognition compared to their predecessors, whose contributions remained hidden from public view, it inadvertently granted the schools' proprietors extensive control and financial gain.
Both teachers and students served as valuable inputs to the proprietors' enterprise, generating revenue and bolstering their own positions of power. As society evolves, the educational landscape undergoes a profound upheaval. Once-prevailed educational norms are being challenged by a new generation of innovators who aspire to revolutionize the way individuals learn and the objectives of education.
These visionaries, devoid of royal lineage, aim to redefine learning and equip individuals with the skills necessary to effect meaningful change. However, the true intentions of these reformers remain shrouded in mystery. Having gained access to groundbreaking technologies and innovations, they aspire to assume control over the world, establishing a new form of governance that transcends traditional boundaries.
Amidst this transformative process, artificial intelligence emerges as a significant force, poised to replace traditional educational institutions with internet-based platforms, gradually supplanting human teachers with sophisticated machines. As the learning paradigm undergoes a radical transformation, the concept of education itself may become obsolete, replaced by individuals who possess the ability to operate these intelligent systems effectively.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.