The world is becoming flat, even in education

One thing is certain: digitalization affects every area of activity in our society. The creative industry is gradually adapting to the new circumstances: Music, film, books, press, radio and television. The world is becoming flat, predicted Thomas Friedmann in his highly acclaimed book. After the first tentative approaches, education is now moving to the center of digital attention. Here too, the structural change will be accompanied by a distribution battle. Media providers and technology companies smell big business. Traditional educational institutions are being challenged by the new forms of provision.

American universities are inspiring hopes of a digital revolution in education with MOOCs, Massive Open Online Courses. Thomas Friedmann wrote in the New York Times last weekend: "A lot of bad things are happening in the world. But one development gives me hope for the future: the online revolution in education. Nothing has greater potential to lift people out of poverty than affordable access to education. Nothing has greater potential to mobilize billions of minds." A current example of this is edX.org, a non-profit MOOC that is being set up jointly by M.I.T and Harvard. The course on circuits has already been accessed by over 150,000 people.

The world is becoming flat, even in education. Wherever you live, whatever your circumstances: In the future, all you will need is a computer that allows you to take part in studies and courses from the education provider of your choice. In the digital classrooms and lecture halls, you can discuss, experiment, read and teach just like on a real campus. Examinations and internationally recognized degrees are part of the experience.

In this country, the digital evangelists are encountered somewhat more soberly and timidly. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping a close eye on developments. The standards set on online platforms will sooner rather than later define the demands on the learning opportunities offered by Swiss educational institutions. Anyone who can tune into lectures at elite universities from their sofa will measure the lecturers at their own schools against them. The experience of digitalization has shown us: Anything that is technically possible, easily and inexpensively accessible, and attractive in terms of content and aesthetics will find its audience. The winners of this development will be students and learners. The big world of education will be served up to them on their tablets. Education providers will have to go over their books: What are the special services they offer? It is not enough just to teach the material. Knowledge, like information, is becoming a commodity. Competence, on the other hand, requires friction, not only in the virtual world, but also in the real world. Educational institutions are thus becoming meeting places in which personalities seek to engage with insights, interpretations, innovations and realities.

Here, knowledge becomes a shared experience. The desire to learn grows with the sense of achievement of knowing or even being able to do something better. Applause is part of success. A "I like it" has a stronger effect if it is combined with an appreciative look and clapping hands. We should allow ourselves to be infected by the euphoria surrounding the digital revolution in education. It will strengthen motivation, willingness and acceptance of education. Everyone will benefit from this, the new and the old education providers as well as those eager to learn in all situations in life.