MagnusTheBrewer
IN MEMORIAM
- Jun 19, 2004
- 24,122
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I've been thinking about college education in terms of buying computer parts. It's easy for a prospective buyer to read a few reviews, forum posts and, media hype and come away with an idea of what the "best" system is. The problem with this perspective is not everyone (or, their parents) can afford a college education at a top tier school. Moreover, most people don't actually have a need for the capabilities (read connections) of a top tier school. So, now we have a whole host of mid range opportunities with upgrade paths (read "good" degrees) that approach the performance, if not the style, of top tier schools with endless peer and media pressure to upgrade your education for the "best" experience.
What this actually accomplishes is vastly more money spent when "good enough" is the wisest course. There's an underlying viewpoint that says, if you don't get the best right now, you'll be left behind. It isn't true with computers and it isn't true with education. I suspect that most people would be better served by an education that meets their immediate goals (like an app on their smart phone) than a full tower with an i7 extreme (read 4 year Ivy League). I apologize for stretching the metaphor but, I've been searching for a way to better communicate my thoughts to the geeks here.
What this actually accomplishes is vastly more money spent when "good enough" is the wisest course. There's an underlying viewpoint that says, if you don't get the best right now, you'll be left behind. It isn't true with computers and it isn't true with education. I suspect that most people would be better served by an education that meets their immediate goals (like an app on their smart phone) than a full tower with an i7 extreme (read 4 year Ivy League). I apologize for stretching the metaphor but, I've been searching for a way to better communicate my thoughts to the geeks here.