Is Education system a scam?

n a recent podcast with Think School, renowned economist Sanjeev Sanyal shared his bold views on how the education system has become obsolete in the age of technology.

He suggests that the traditional lecture-based approach in colleges no longer serves its purpose.

With platforms like YouTube offering high-quality content for free, Sanyal questioned why we still rely on outdated methods of delivering education.

Why Are We Still Giving Lectures in Colleges?

Sanyal pointed out that the technology we have at our disposal should radically change how we approach education.

When free platforms like YouTube exist, capable of delivering engaging and expert-led content, why are we still attending lectures in college?

The economist argued that we could record excellent lectures once and distribute them to students worldwide at no additional cost.

This approach could make high-quality education accessible to all, eliminating the need for redundant teaching across multiple institutions.

Leveraging AI for Learning

According to Sanyal, artificial intelligence (AI) holds enormous potential for reshaping how students interact with educational content.

He envisions AI tools as personal learning assistants, helping students ask questions, clarify doubts, and engage more deeply with the material.

AI could provide instant feedback and personalized learning paths, allowing students to grasp concepts at their own pace.

For older learners, who don’t need constant hand-holding, AI could offer tailored support without the need for traditional classroom environments.

This shifts the role of educators from lecturers to facilitators, enabling students to take charge of their own learning.

A Call to Automate Tertiary Education

One of Sanyal’s most provocative suggestions was automating tertiary education for mass-scale learning.

With the technological tools we have today, much of the learning process can be automated. He argued that students don’t need to be physically present in classrooms, listening to repetitive lectures when they could access better-quality content online.

By freeing up time from attending lectures, students could focus on research, practical learning, or other creative pursuits.

The idea is to make the most of modern technology to create a more flexible, personalized, and engaging learning experience.

Colleges as Testing and Research Hubs

Sanyal envisions a future where colleges would serve different purposes.

Instead of being centers for delivering lectures, institutions could become specialized testing centers, offering certifications and assessments to ensure students meet the required standards.

These certifications could carry the same weight as a traditional degree but without the inefficient process of attending years of repetitive classes.

Additionally, colleges could evolve into hubs for research, where students collaborate on innovative projects, solve real-world problems, and work under the guidance of mentors.

This would make higher education a space for experimentation, critical thinking, and hands-on learning rather than passive consumption of information.

The Role of Primary Education

While Sanyal strongly advocates for the automation of tertiary education, he acknowledges that primary education might still require more traditional, hands-on methods.

Young children need guidance, support, and nurturing that goes beyond what technology can currently provide. However, as students grow older, they can gradually transition to more self-directed learning models powered by AI and online resources.

Sanjeev Sanyal’s vision challenges us to rethink the very foundations of our education system. With the rapid advancements in technology, the current system of lectures, classrooms, and degrees is starting to feel outdated.

By embracing AI, automating tertiary education, and repurposing colleges as testing and research centers, we can create a more dynamic, accessible, and meaningful learning experience for students worldwide.

The question now is: Are we ready for this shift? As more people like Sanyal advocate for a tech-driven revolution in education, it’s time to explore how we can implement these changes to make learning more efficient, engaging, and relevant for the 21st century.