A Decade of Unofficial Learning
Embracing a Lifelong Learner Mindset
The year was 2014, and a quiet yet profound revolution was stirring in the world of education. While my college memories from 2009 were punctuated with the hum of videotape lectures, a new dawn was on the horizon, heralded by platforms like Coursera.
As someone who's ridden this wave since its nascent days, I invite you to walk through a decade of transformative, unofficial learning.
From Videotapes to Virtual Classrooms:
When I earned my engineering stripes in 2009, the quintessential lecture hall experience was still the norm, with the occasional videotape filling in the gaps.
Coursera, among others, changed this landscape and reshaped the edifice of higher education. From Coursers 2021 report:
Also, some of the top skills:
My Evolution with Coursera (and other like platforms):
In the initial phases, Coursera was my compass in navigating the choppy waters of professional life.
It allowed me to hone my skills, becoming an indispensable ally in my day-to-day work.
As the years rolled on, my relationship with the platforms deepened. It wasn't just about bolstering professional prowess anymore.
They became a gateway worlds beyond my professional horizon.
Philosophy, for example, once a mere intrigue, became an exploration. At the tip of the figures, I was able to learn from top universities around the world at my will.
Two years ago, a new chapter began. As I transitioned into the dual role of Director of Product and educator, the platforms played a pivotal role.
It wasn't just about content consumption; it became about synthesis and creation. Through Coursera, I unearthed best practices, methodologies, and pedagogical strategies, curating my classes shaped by a decade of learning.
The strides we've made in digital education are just the beginning.
I envisage a future where education is profoundly personal. Imagine a world where AI doesn't just recommend a song or a movie but curates an entire educational journey tailored to an individual's aspirations, strengths, and even quirks — a world where learning isn't one-size-fits-all but is as unique as our fingerprints.
This isn't mere speculation. With the rapid advancements in AI and machine learning, tailored educational experiences are on the horizon. I can't wait to see it unfold in the following years.
