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- Aug 26, 2011
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What worries me is how easy it is today for kids to become isolated: video games, on-line social media, etc. They don't even need real friends anymore.I understand that objective. Now think about the climate at most colleges, where nothing can be debated? Everyting offends someone. Trigger words and gender neutral pronouns. Speakers shouted down. Universities have become anti-intellectual.
You add that to the high cost and it becomes harder and harder to justify. I honestly think the main thing kids learn now is some minor degree of self sufficiency. Unless they have a more vocational field of study. I’ve got three more years until my daughter graduates HS and the whole college choice and major selection issue concerns me.
These are the same people Whaler wants to hire because the lack of exposure to others can provide a situation where the young person becomes focused and excels at one thing; say computer programming. No reason to bring him/her into the office because they probably don't shower and don't have the necessary skills to work with others. No need for any of that because they can just send an email and attach their work along with a time sheet.
Now there is a movement toward going to college on-line: another reason not to leave their rooms. It may be cheaper but it is not better IMO. In fact it is dangerous.
There is a lot to be said for spending the years between your mother and your wife in the academic atmosphere college provides. It teaches students how to get along with people and as you said live on their own. Students don't get that in their room.
I get what you are saying about the academic climate on campuses today and while that is disappointing it doesn't trump the college experience. I'm wondering how many would trade their college days for an on-line experience. I wouldn't and I don't think you would either.
If I sound like an old fart it is because I am. College in the 60's, played a sport and drank way too much beer. When I was a kid I'd eat my Cherrios and go to ball field or playground and spend all day except for lunch. I did it on my own but if I wanted to hang around my room I'm sure my mother would have booted me out of the house. It is just so different today and I don't think for the better.
The cost of college needs to be addressed and I really feel for you with the costs you will have to deal with in 3 years. I just don't think the best solution is on-line college.