Growing up, I had a strong aptitude for both math and literature. I loved writing and reading. Also loved doing math, especially algebra.
But I grew up before YouTube or even broadband, and I had very limited access to quality math resources. Otoh, we had a pretty nicely stocked library at home and I could read all the literature I ever wanted to read.
I ended up majoring in English. Although I now work in the tech field, I’m not deeply technical and my math knowledge is effectively stuck at freshmen college level.
I wonder what my life trajectory would have been like if I had access to teachers like Sal Khan - or even YouTube - back then.
Young people today are blessed. They can learn from the best, often for free.
I do not think people understand or appreciate what a truly fundamental shift that access to zero marginal cost instruction has been (including YouTube, etc.). It is a tool that humanity still has not figured out how to take advantage of at scale, we’re in the early days and it will take time.
> It is a tool that humanity still has not figured out how to take advantage of at scale
I blame shitty recommendation system of Youtube for not making it easily available. They have high engagement sections like Gaming etc but not Education. Just goes on to show their priorities.
They could reccomend calculus videos all day long, people will ignore them and watch the stuff they find entertaining. Its not YouTube's job to rush behaviours down users throats. If they want to learn calculus, its there.
Well if there can be a dedicated google scholar, why not the same for education.
In the mobile, when one clicks on the compass icon, I get suggestions for gaming but not the same education. This is hypocrisy.
But I grew up before YouTube or even broadband, and I had very limited access to quality math resources. Otoh, we had a pretty nicely stocked library at home and I could read all the literature I ever wanted to read.
I ended up majoring in English. Although I now work in the tech field, I’m not deeply technical and my math knowledge is effectively stuck at freshmen college level.
I wonder what my life trajectory would have been like if I had access to teachers like Sal Khan - or even YouTube - back then.
Young people today are blessed. They can learn from the best, often for free.