While being close to finishing my high school, it was
absolutely obvious to me that a college degree is the next step if I want to
achieve a success and find a job that would satisfy my ambitions. Moreover, I
expected that I would learn skills that would be necessary to work as a
programmer and it would be sufficient to find an entry level job position on
the IT market. Back then little did I know that such a way
of thinking was naïve.
According to Statistics Poland, the number of students
of Polish universities including foreigners is getting slightly lower each
year. There may be many reasons of such tendency and we can only wonder if one
of them is the need of higher education on the job market. I have no
information about other industries, but as an IT employee I am a witness of
progressive crisis of the higher education in the field of IT. I have heard so
many times that it is not necessary to have a diploma and all I need is a
little bit of experience and self-involvement to get employed. On the other hand,
one of my applications was refused because of lack of the diploma on the day I
applied for a job, so the attitude of the employers still varies.
Source: https://stat.gov.pl/files/gfx/portalinformacyjny/pl/defaultaktualnosci/5488/8/5/1/szkolnictwo_wyzsze_w_roku_akademickim_2017-2018_dane_wstepne.pdf
One of the first reasons that come into my mind is the
program of teaching which does not fulfil the needs of the market. The world of
IT is very dynamic, and it could be hard to keep up with changes even for
someone who is actively involved in software development and other fields of
that market branch. Because of that, it is
literally impossible that academic teachers would have knowledge that is always
up to date, so the presence of the old
technology among various school subjects is quite common. Another flaw of the
university informatics is relatively low amount of practise compared to theory
and matters that are loosely associated with IT.
Another factor is common and easy access to knowledge
by means of the Internet and courses organised by private companies. There are
plenty of “zero to hero” training sessions or online content that can teach a
lot of skills in short time without worrying too much about theory or outdated
technologies. If we compare traditional teaching of universities to that kind
of development, it seems to be very old-fashioned and inefficient which is
something the IT employers are aware of. Moreover, five years of work
experience instead of studying is worth so much that the lack of diploma can easily become irrelevant.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CPOXR5aO04
However, like always there is another side of the
coin. One of the issues with the lack of higher education despite having a lot
of experience is the so-called glass ceiling. It could be extremely
hard to reach the top positions without a diploma. We have to remember that being
a graduate does not mean only the practical enrichment but also being more
mature with wider intellectual horizons. If
someone managed to earn a degree (with assumption of honesty), then he represents a respectable level.
Source: https://www.assignmentexpert.com/blog/why-do-we-need-higher-education/
To sum up – I would say that we can have two opposite
approaches to that topic – pragmatic and idealistic. A pragmatic person who
wants to find an IT job develops necessary skills by himself by working on
projects and attending practical courses to gain experience and dive into the
market fast. An idealist would try to combine self-development and higher
education to become an intellectually richer person, which is something a pragmatic would not understand.
Besides, I didn’t mention activities associated with studying such as science
clubs and all sorts of additional, great values with people you meet in the
first place - the so-called networking.
The topic is quite controversial, so I am curious of
your opinion:
1.
If
you could turn back time, would you go to college again?
2.
Do
you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number
of students?
3.
What
would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful
for employers?
4.
(Question
for non-IT students) Do you see similar problems in your branch of industry?
Sources:
https://stat.gov.pl/files/gfx/portalinformacyjny/pl/defaultaktualnosci/5488/8/5/1/szkolnictwo_wyzsze_w_roku_akademickim_2017-2018_dane_wstepne.pdf
https://www.assignmentexpert.com/blog/why-do-we-need-higher-education/
Comments
I often asked myself that question. I would have gone to College, but I probably chose a different profession.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Yes, I think so, and it will happen in the near future. Now progresiruet distance learning and it will give the opportunity to study at any University in the world
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
The biggest disappointment is not being able to choose the educarion programs that we really need and are interesting. Our Academy is no exception.
4. (Question for non-IT students) Do you see similar problems in your branch of industry?
When I chose the University I was promised that we choose when to go and what classes. In fact, everything turned out to be the same as in universities in Ukraine. Now I do not even know what I pay money for in our Academy ( SNM) 2 almost the same course how to make presentations and narrate. What's the point when I'm in the last semester of graduate school, I do not understand.
Of course I would not. Going to college is simply extension of our childhood. Also this is a great adventure, meeting friends, events and unforgettable memories. Unfortunately after those few more years of studying, we are staying with unemployment or the lowest National salary very often in companies which has nothing to do with out studies. In the end our bosses are our friends from high school who did not go to collage.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
If nothing will change the importance of studies, why would anybody want to study and condemn yourself on such poor conditions.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
This is hard question because there is so much to change. For me the most important thing is that we should change learning methods. Students should not just learn dates, poems or mathematical formulas by heart. We should teach young people how to think and how to solve problems using creativity and independence.
Again? Why not! I'd love to learn something extra! Anyway, soon I'm starting to work on a PhD work, so it's as if my study does not end. Besides, science today (especially in the IT industry) never ends, because new things are being created all the time!
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Honestly? In my opinion, a smaller number of students would result in more accurate and deep learning. People conducting classes would have more time and attention for the student than it is now.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
I'm just in a good situation, because I teach and I see what is missing for students. Part of the classes requires the materials to be refreshed. I also try to go from time to time to interviews to check what employers are currently looking for.
4. (Question for non-IT students) Do you see similar problems in your branch of industry?
Well, in that case the question is not for me: P
I'm 100% sure I would go to college again just because I met so many of my best friends there and contact's that it is just increadible. Other thing is that I don't think I would stick to programming when I would learn it on my own way, college gives you that feeling that when you won't finish it you are not intellectual enough and it kept me going for a long time and is still making me study.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
I don't think so. There is a lot of students on first and second year but only a few finish college with a degree but because of this first year students there will always be enough of them for universities.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
I'm happy with teaching methods within a school that I'm in right now but I think it would be good to always have some extracurricular activities that you could write in your CV and there would be about new technologies that are popular in specific moment. I think becuause of that employees would see who was really learning something in school to be honest because we all know that at least 60% of students buy projects from someone else and they don't have the skills that they should have after graduation.
2. I think it will never happen. As you mentioned at the beginning of your career, studies in some industries may be unnecessary. Skill and commitment are important.
However, if you want to climb the career ladder, you can not achieve it without college education.
3. Maybe more practices. More practical tasks that can meet us in our future work.
4. Of course, my industry is very similar. In fact, most of the practical skills I learned at work.
Of course, creativity is something that can not be learned, but other skills are needed in addition to being crafty in graphics.
For example, the servicing of programs that nobody taught us during studies.
And just like in other industries, at the beginning you can do it without education, but in later career it may be needed.
If I could turn back time, I would go to the same studies. During these studies I had several situations that I wanted to give up. Ultimately, I think that these studies are OK.
I do not have an opinion on this subject, but referring to the whole subject, I think that the concept of studying lost the strength that was once. The title does not mean anything. Untitled people can learn more and be better. It all depends on people and their determination.
Perhaps universities should be able to provide more obligatory practices that the school will organize. Experience is very much required at work i think.
Generally that was very interesting article. Unfortunelly we can do nothing with education system :(
Will universities at some point suffer from insufficient number of students? Actually they do now, and only so called "prestige" and openly misleading advertisement is the only thing that keeps them afloat, with a very minor exceptions. I think that Finland has a solution to make educational process much better for an employers and even for people themselves, and they start teaching in this special programmes starting from school. The best idea is ti put people in real working environment, give them responsibility and real tasks, instead of theoretical knowledge without any means of using it.
I think so, but I would never choose the same University or specialisation.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Yes, I guess so. Or, maybe they will evolve and become more like these on-line academies" that you have mentioned in your article.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
Giving a real-life tasks, explaining it as for dummies, and free attendance of course.
At some point yes, nowadays fashion of study is changing. Belief that you need to graduate to achieve success in life is a relic of old times when studies really mean something important.
I think teaching programm should be changed to be more valuable in future work. We do learn things that are useless in reall life.
1. This is very difficult question. But after a long thought, I think that I'd back to college. Why? because I love learn new things and maybe I'd learn something extra new? Who knows? Unfortunately, maybe fortunately (?) we can't turn back time, so uff. Problem solved :D
2. Yes, but not all universities. Only some education speciality, for example philosophy. It's useless and for no-visionary people, no offense of course. This is my opinion. Some top and future study direction, for example IT, medicine, physics and astronomy there will always exist and there will be a lot of willing students.
3. What I'd change? The curriculum mainly, because this one is really bad at almost all universities. Outdated, some lectures are uninteresting.
2. I think there are already too many students. There are too many useless courses and going to collage won't satisfy everyone. Some people would do better in life with just going to work after the high school.
3. As I said, collage isn't here to prepare you for your duties in work. It is just impossible. The best thing it could do is to show students many carrier paths and let them choose what interest them the most.
2. A serious question, certainly private universities would lose it but I think that public universities would not have this problem
3. I would certainly change the curriculum slightly, adding new technologies that are required in the current job market. He stopped teaching primitive technology
and they will start using future tools
Yes, i think that all of us asking that question itself, i will go again, to understand that univercity it’s nothing and to do some connection, people who met worth it
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Yes, it’s like if your shop had a bad location or bad prices, but i think it’s good
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
You need to speak with it market had some connecting with different it firm’s who can say where they have more people and etc
4. (Question for non-IT students) Do you see similar problems in your branch of industry?
Rather yes than no. Unfortunately, some knowledge and skills can only be obtained directly from other people. But maybe I would change the faculty or college.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
If this happens, then not soon. Getting an education is not only a necessity in life but also a tradition. Many go to college because it is necessary, and not from the desire to learn. Well, there are were always people, who change their profession or expand their knowledge, they will also fill up the number of students in college.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
Unfortunately a lot. But, it is also worth understanding that I would change the program the way I would learn better. Perhaps, to other people, this method would not work.
No, no, no and one more time "NO". College failed me. It's a waste of our time, it's useless.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Of course yes, i'm definitely sure about that. Especially if we are talking about private universities. I think that in the closest future only top universitites will be alive (Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and others.). Another part of universities will die due to insufficient number of students. People are getting wiser and one more day you will not need to go for 4 year of studying, when you will be able to attend 4 months of private courses.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
There are a lot of changes have to be made. I can't even count them. Teachers, subjects, adding more practical exercises, the way how to give information should be changed, make a process of learning subject like a game with achievements, education directions should be changed and so on.
Of course, why not it’s not like you can get better job or learn more without college. But after turning time back you still have all the memories and knowledge? if yes, I probably would choose another specialization.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Some of them for sure. If there is insufficient number of students, then you don’t need that many universities some of them will be closed. But this is temporary after some time student will show up again and history will repeating itself
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
Maybe some classes that simulate actual work. I sometimes think that employers they really don’t know what they want themselves.
There will come time when colleges will become unnecessary due to how much knowledge , tutorials etc are out there on the internet.
To make teaching program more useful for employers can be done only when they themselves do the teaching, we should involve them more in the teaching program.
Yes, I would definitely go to college again, It’s a great place for many things for example in collage you can network with many people, which can be helpful in your career down the path.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
Yes, I think that its might happen much earlier than we think.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
I think that it should be more focused on building real practical skills, and not only pure theory.
Most likely not, I am satisfied with my education. If you mean that if you were not satisfied, then most likely I would go. I think there you can get not only vocational education, but also a bunch of other skills, or, for example, get new acquaintances. This is a good time of life. Well, it's over, if you feel more romantic about it.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
I think yes. Since this is also a business. Each of them will suffer separately, but I do not think that this will bring harm to society. Although it can cause damage to the state budget, since so many universities are under the tutelage of the state.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
Embed more practice of course. Then the material will be very well sorted. Since in the end, it turns out that a large number of curriculum does not find application in real life.
It's probable scenario for IT fields, entry threshold to the job market for junior programmer gets lower and lower.
I would add special classes, which are consulted with companies and job-oriented.
Employers highly demand IT graduates, why not let them directly affect a curriculum of studies and show students what is expected from them.
I think it is highly possible in the near future. There are more and more people deciding to go to work rather than continuing studying.
I think more practical tasks and opportunity to choose elective subject would be a great idea. Sometimes we must learn something at the university that we won't ever use in our jobs. Allowing students to choose elective subjects probably would solve this situation
For sure, yes. It was very effective.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
In my bachelor specialization (applied mathematics) it already suffers.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
I would like to add more group projects to teach students how to work in teams on difficult projects that could be applied in professional life. Unfortunately, I didn't have it at my previous university.
4. (Question for non-IT students) Do you see similar problems in your branch of industry?
I am an IT student :)
Sure, becouse its only way to make my dreams come true, other way it could be harder.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
In my opinion they won't suffer in that case becouse, in smaller group You could gain more knowledge and more attention from proffesor, in general smaller group has better notes.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
I think that employers of schools need to have free way of teaching, i had one Teacher who was Phisics Teacher, He always divides lessons on practical with experiments and theoretical with discribing of these experiments but not in way of Teacher says and we write, it was disscusion about it and on last 15 min we had time to write down eveything in our notebooks
I would definitely go to the university! I assume that I would choose maybe different specialization or university, but I'm not 100% sure. I studied 1 year on the University of Warsaw and it was really cool, but there was no such thing as Culture of Japan, only Philology of Japanese. If I could study this specifc culture at UW, I would do it.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
I don't think so. Maybe the smaller one, or the private one, but bigger universities won't suffer for a long time. I think there are the times, when people are keen on going to college, and there are the times, when people choose going to work immediately.
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
Absolutely nothing. I don't consider university as a place that always had to prepare you to work in the future.
4. (Question for non-IT students) Do you see similar problems in your branch of industry?
I don't think so. I think higher degree a it is now is obsolete and unnecessary. But I didn't have this understanding earlier. But if person have objectives and goes to college purposely college ca make sense and impact.
2. Do you think that at some point universities would suffer from insufficient number of students?
3. What would you change in the teaching program to make it more attractive and useful for employers?
I think changing the teachers in most cases can do education better, because old professors that that stuck in 19th century cannot teach you 1 year old technology, methodology or framework, because they aren't practicing their knowledge in real word.
2. I'm sure that can happen in the future, it's becoming harder and harder to satisfy students who expect more from their schools than ever before.
3. I would involve employers in the education process- let them describe their needs and help them train future employees that they will want to hire- graduates get jobs, employers get employees. Seems to me like an easy way to get two birds with one stone.
4. I'm an IT student.