Week Ten: Teaching Yourself vs Going to School

Summary

In this engaging reflection on self-education through the MIT Challenge, the speaker shares their journey of completing eight classes and the ongoing pursuit of more. They highlight the significant advantages of setting one's own pace, the affordability of learning, and the intrinsic enjoyment of the process, contrasting it with traditional education's constraints. However, they also address challenges such as assembling a comprehensive curriculum and the lack of immediate support. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the potential of self-directed learning and expresses hope for the development of better resources to support this educational model.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-education can be rewarding and satisfying compared to formal education.
• 😀 You can set your own pace when learning, which enhances the experience and motivation.
• 😀 The cost of self-education is significantly lower than traditional degrees, often only a few thousand dollars.
• 😀 Navigating bureaucracy is unnecessary in self-education, allowing for a more direct learning experience.
• 😀 Self-education can foster intrinsic motivation and curiosity, making learning more enjoyable.
• 😀 Assembling a complete curriculum from online resources can be challenging, although it's improving over time.
• 😀 Direct access to help can be limited, but online resources and forums are available for support.
• 😀 Evaluating progress can be difficult without formal assessments, making self-evaluation a challenge.
• 😀 The traditional education model may not suit everyone, and self-education offers a flexible alternative.
• 😀 There is potential for innovation in self-education methods and resources in the future.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the MIT challenge discussed in the video?

The main goal is to learn MIT's four-year computer science curriculum in 12 months without formal enrollment or classes.

What are some advantages of self-education mentioned in the script?

Advantages include setting your own pace, cost-effectiveness, ease of access, and increased enjoyment in learning.

How does the speaker describe the concept of 'flow' in learning?

The speaker describes 'flow' as a state of intrinsic motivation where learning feels effortless and enjoyable, contrasting with the forced pace of traditional education.

What is the estimated cost of completing the MIT challenge, according to the speaker?

The estimated cost of the entire MIT challenge is around $2,000 to $3,000, primarily for textbooks.

What is one of the drawbacks of self-education highlighted in the video?

One drawback is the difficulty in assembling a comprehensive curriculum from available online resources.

Why does the speaker believe self-education can be more enjoyable than formal education?

Self-education can be more enjoyable because it fosters intrinsic motivation and curiosity rather than focusing on grades and formal requirements.

What challenges does the speaker face regarding access to help while self-educating?

The speaker notes that while many resources are available, the lack of immediate access to help can be a challenge, especially when learning at a fast pace.

How does the speaker evaluate their progress in the MIT challenge?

The speaker uses a combination of final exams and project submissions to assess their understanding and progress.

What hope does the speaker express for the future of self-education?

The speaker hopes for improvements in resources and evaluative criteria that would support self-education, making it more accessible and reliable.

What message does the speaker convey to those considering self-education?

The speaker encourages people to consider self-education as a viable and rewarding alternative, especially for those who do not require formal degrees.