Education after school

It is true that in many countries around the world the number of people continuing their education after school is increasing, It is also true that, with the recent rapid developments in information technology, more and more courses are being delivered electronically and/or by distance. Generally speaking these are positive developments.

There are, however, in some countries a few negative aspects of this educational expansion. Firstly, in countries which already have long-established and highly developed systems of higher and further education, such as Britain and the USA, some educationalists argue that increasing numbers means lowering standards. University education used to be for an elite of academically gifted students. If having a university degree becomes the norm it will mean that standards will fall. Furthermore, with the proliferation of universities has come a whole range of new courses, such as media studies, to cater for less gifted students. Students of such soft courses often find it difficult to find jobs after graduation.

On the other hand, in developing countries the expansion of higher education is a very positive development. The UAE is a perfect example, because forty years ago there was only minimal educational provision in any of the seven emirates. But over the past 25 years or so there has been, linked to the country’s rapid economic and infrastructural development, a phenomenal expansion of education at all levels, including post-school learning. The rapid growth of the Higher Colleges of Technology, with their emphasis on e-learning, over the past two decades is a perfect illustration of this. A well-educated and highly-skilled workforce is a necessity for any successful country, especially a rapidly developing one like the UAE.

In summary, there are a few negative points like those mentioned above. Some traditionalists fear also the impersonal nature of online and distance courses. However, the positive economic benefits of having a highly trained and skilled workforce far outweigh the negatives. There are also many social benefits: here in the UAE, for example, there has been a massive increase in the number of highly educated young women, which many see as vital for the future prosperity and development of the nation.

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