There is a huge wave of discussion and analysis on traditional education and whether it still holds the same value as it did 50 years ago. For decades, potential employers looked for individuals with professional degrees in their respective fields. They hired them based on that, as a degree provided potential employees with specialised knowledge and skills.

However, the market is shifting, and in this age of digitalisation and technology, more and more employers are looking for people who have hands-on experience, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skill sets. As technology advances, people are required to up-skill themselves to stay competitive. Now, the value of a four-year degree is slowly being diminished as businesses focus more on the talent pool, which includes highly skilled experts.

THE EVOLUTION OF FORMAL STUDIES

·      The Changing Job Market & Emphasis On Skill-Based Hiring

The modern job market has shifted majorly and is consistently changing its dynamics, where employers are prioritising competencies and practical knowledge over formal qualifications. The market has also shifted as more & more online courses and certifications have become a norm. Large corporations such as Google, Tesla, and IBM have adopted new hiring policies that do not require a candidate to have a professional degree but focus on their relevant experience, technical abilities, and certifications. Many industries, such as technology, digital marketing, and data science, value hands-on skills through practical projects, boot camps, and online courses.

Moreover, traditional education in most fields teaches stuff in an old-fashioned manner, and students do not focus on completing their tasks and assignments on their own. They acquire the help of essaymills, and through a small payment, they can get their task down and get that “A” grade they are looking for. This takes the learning aspect out of education, and students learn nothing new, which affects their future search for jobs.

·      The Rise of Alternative Education Models

In the past years, there has been a rapid increase in online methods of education, which include workshops, boot camps, online courses, and certifications. Platforms such as Coursera, Edx, and Udemy offer courses in a variety of fields and are mostly taught by field experts from prestigious universities. Universities have also adopted this and started offering free or paid courses in specific fields, such as Harvard’s free course on programming.  These programs, courses, and certifications have gained immense popularity and enable an individual to have a job-ready skill set in a fraction of the time. On the other hand, traditional studies have taken a dip in interest as they require you to go through a rigorous course of structured tests and patterns over 4 years, and in the end, someone with the same knowledge and skill set collected in a 6-month boot camp overtakes you in getting that job you wanted.  These alternative models have become more appealing as they don’t cost you too much and provide a more sufficient way of learning.

·      Cost and Accessibility

Tuition rates at traditional colleges and universities are highly expensive; in many countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the tuition fee has skyrocketed, which leads students to immense amounts of student debt. Private institutions such as Stanford cost around 40,000$ a year, and meanwhile, state schools cost around 12,000$ per year.  Many students who graduate struggle to pay back the student loans they acquired for their studies as job prospects are uncertain. In contrast to that, alternative learning methods are more affordable and accessible, providing individuals with the flexibility to learn at their own pace. As most students can’t take the financial burden traditional education brings with it, they are moving towards cost-efficient alternatives.

·      Role of Technology in Education

Technology is growing and advancing daily, and as it changes the industry's perspective, it also plays a huge role in bringing innovation to education. Technology makes learning more interactive and personalised. AI technology has rapidly grown and has become a major part of education, including different adaptive learning platforms. Virtual reality and Augmented Reality are also being integrated into the learning environment, which provides an immense experience for piratical learning.

Moreover, AI and new technology of Blockchain are introduced in multiple industries, and to work in those industries, an individual requires a skill set accordingly. These skill sets are not taught in traditional education, and to have a professional education, you need to attend boot camps or online courses taught by such field experts. As these technologies increase, the education and function of traditional classes will soon be replaced.

·      Change in employers’ perspective of degrees

Many employers in this age are shifting towards skill-based hiring, which prioritises practical experience and expertise over formal degrees. However, some traditional degrees have not lost their value in their respective fields. Fields such as medicine, law, and engineering demand a degree since professional work requires a wide range of theoretical and practical expertise and high regulatory norms. Government jobs and large corporations also demand you to have a formal degree in specific fields for specific roles, as they serve as a benchmark for discipline, commitment, and intellectual capacity.

However, many industries have now moved on from formal education, and they are looking for skill-based individuals with great hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and credibility of prominent courses and certifications. This is mainly required in fields such as technology, digital marketing, and data science. Employers increasingly recognise boot camps, certifications, and work portfolios as proof of competence. This allows individuals with no degree to secure a competitive role in a large organisation.

·      A New Approach towards Higher Education

Since the pandemic hit, the world has changed its ways drastically, and so has the traditional education system. Many universities have adopted changes such as integrating online courses, competency-based assessments, and industry partnerships into their curriculum. These changes are being brought as people prefer online certifications and courses over a proper degree. Many universities still use the traditional methods of writing and submitting assignments; students don’t learn any practical knowledge through them as they search for assignment help online or through AI tools. They easily write & submit them. 

Moreover, hybrid learning models that combine online and in-person classes have been adopted by many universities. Universities also offer micro-credentials and stackable degrees, allowing students to earn a recognised degree in less time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

·      As a student, is pursuing university worth it?

It depends on one’s career and goals if you are interested in pursuing medicine, law, or engineering, so yes, it is necessary. However, for other professions, alternative ways are more practical and cost-effective.

·      What are the key benefits of a Traditional Classroom?

This fosters discipline, peer interaction, networking, and structured learning, which is an essential part of academic success.

·      How do employers verify online courses and certifications?

They check accreditations course providers and assess candidates through skill tests and practical assignments. 

THOUGHTS ON CHANGING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL WAYS

The future of higher education is rapidly changing, but conventional degrees are not expected to become completely obsolete. Meanwhile, alternative education models are also trending in modern days as skill-based hiring and technological advancements are reshaping how people acquire knowledge. A formal degree holds value in certain professions and also provides a path for self-development and a way to develop meaningful connections. Higher education is adopting a blended approach of traditional and new learning methods. Traditional degrees won't be outdated as long as higher education is adaptable to the changing market.