Real Threat to the University: Shortcuts, not AI
Hello Caring Educators,
There is something that scares me more than AI.
This might make some people mad, but what truly scares me is the growing movement to shortcut college.
Programs like dual enrollment, which allow students to earn college credit during high school, are becoming increasingly popular. While they offer certain advantages—like saving money and time—they also come with a significant tradeoff: skipping the first two years of college.
Those first two years matter.
David Epstein’s Range highlights the value of slow learning and the power of a generalist approach. Struggling through unfamiliar subjects, learning slowly, and spending time building a broad foundation of knowledge isn’t just valuable—it’s transformative.
Those early college years are often where students develop critical thinking, discover new interests, and grow in ways they couldn’t have anticipated. All things that will become increasingly important in an age of AI.
Shortcutting this process robs students of the richness that comes from exploring the humanities, sciences, and arts alongside their chosen field. It’s not just about the content; it’s about the time spent gathering knowledge, making connections, and learning how to think in diverse ways.
Now, before you come at me, I acknowledge the harsh reality: this kind of slow, exploratory education is a luxury that many families and students in today’s economy simply can’t afford. Rising tuition costs and student debt have made the traditional college experience feel out of reach for many, and dual enrollment or similar programs can seem like a practical solution.
Affordability is a real problem that we need to solve. Let’s address the economic barriers, not diminish the value of those formative years.
We should be pushing back on the idea that faster and cheaper is always better. Education isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a lifetime journey that shapes us in ways we carry for a lifetime.
With the rise of AI, leaning into critical thinking, exploration, and the liberal arts will be essential to our success.
Let’s focus how we make higher education accessible without sacrificing the slow, deep learning that makes it meaningful. Let’s fight for a system that values growth, exploration, and a generalist foundation—and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience it.
#HigherEducation #SlowLearning #CollegeExperience #Accessibility #Range
The image was created by Midjourney using the following prompt: imagine two students who are wearing graduation caps. One is standing on a tall platform and the other is looking puzzled trying to figure out why they are on a short platform.
