Google Is Changing Higher Education
Photos by MD Duran, Gerd Altmann, REVOLT
In a rare occurrence, the first two topics this week are forward-looking instead of historical facts. Yet, the third topic on daydreaming is the one closest to my heart and the most impactful on my daily life.
Google Enters Higher Education
Google currently offers five different certifications on Coursera, a website that works with higher education institutions to offer online degrees, certifications, and continued education. Google has entered the higher education space with shorter-term and cheaper certification programs in:
Data Analytics
UX Design
IT Support
Project Management
IT Automation with Python
Their certifications can be earned in less than a year, costing a few hundred dollars depending on the time it takes to complete. To me, this seems like the beginning of a hybrid model of self-learning and higher education.
Future is in DNA, Not Robots
Whether it be movies, TV shows, or books, most futuristic worlds include robots and high-tech computers. Things are made out of metal and not connected to the human body. Recently, I’ve been hit twice with counter-proposals to where the real future of technology lies.
In the book Livewired and the Tim Ferris Podcast with Walter Isaacson, the topic of human gene mutations has been talked about as the true future of technology. A great example as to why is that when we send a robot to Mars if a wheel falls off, the mission is over, the robot is useless. Humans, or DNA, can be changed so that if a limb is lost, it’s regrown or adapts on the fly.
We’re Bad at Daydreaming
Studies have actually been conducted to conclude that humans are bad at daydreaming. When simply asking adults to daydream or think for pleasure, as the study states, they, in turn, have a hard time doing so. However, their success in daydreaming increases when given a list of options to choose from. It’s the narrowing of topics that brings the most trouble.
Thinking for pleasure is important because it leads to more enjoyable and positive thoughts. Personally, I’ve found listening to podcasts helpful to spur daydreaming regardless of what I’m doing.
