[notarealllama]

Also EdTech background here, not OP.

There's a difference between the educational-industrial complex (or the ed landscape in terms of market), and motivated learner-centric models which can be done independently.

As much as degrees and certs are important in the current paradigm, it's long been the case in tech that credentials matter less than output, skills, and soft skills.

As much as I personally believe in a stronger credential system, the shift is toward individual learning. The popularity of coding bootcamps in the tech space I think demonstrates that.

Personal AI tutor? Without the pesky SME credentialing? Sign me up!

[ghaff]

IMO, a lot of that leads to sink or swim. Not that elite institutions are perfect (by a long shot). But largely cater to kids (and families) that can do things on their own with help from qualified people and you almost certainly get better results--and lower costs--for them.

Others, not so much.