Two things happened this week.
- I hung my Master’s of Library Media diploma in my home office.
- A letter came in the mail stating that my student loans might be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Each time I move to a new job, or office I drag out this diploma. As if to say to the world, “Look, 10 years ago an institution publicly acknowledged my intelligence!”
10 years ago, I paid a taxpayer supported organization $20,000 so that I could check a different box on job applications for the question, “What is your highest attained level of education?” I then paid 2 different states $250 a piece to take a standardized test proving I had indeed acquired enough education to be a public school librarian.
Did I learn great things in my master’s degree program for Library Media Technology? Undoubtedly. I took one of the last in person degree programs being offered to school librarians and learned from two amazing professors who had a passion for media education and educational technology. I do not regret spending the time learning how to be a school librarian. I do question why I had to go into debt to a public institution to then work for a public institution.
Ten years after earning this antiquated document I’m still learning, but in a new way. Instead of signing up for thousands of dollars in government issued loans, I’m signing up for reasonably priced online modules through Coursera.
Coursera is a worldwide organization that believes everyone should have access to learning, not just those with the financial means to do so. I will not receive a 20" x 30" matted document (that cost me $100 to frame) once my course is completed. I will have however, have gained knowledge and understanding for less than it costs to fill my gas tank weekly.
Will the prestige of a university degree going to hold the weight it once did in the global job market? Perhaps, adult learners of the future will be able to seek out learning that brings them joy without the burden of crippling debt.
