Bill Gates on eLearning and Custom Courseware

A lot of people ask me what I’m reading and how I learn about new topics that interest me. I am fortunate to have time to read a lot and I also like to view courses online from MIT’s OpenCourseware, Academic Earth, and others. These courses have ignited a passion of mine, which is to think about how to harness this approach so students who otherwise wouldn’t have access can experience these great courses and learn from these great teachers. – Bill Gates

There are a few people in the technology field who command attention whenever they speak. One of those people is Bill Gates. So, when Gates shares his love for eLearning, we ought to pay attention.

Since he left his fulltime job at Microsoft, he’s been focused on his charities, feeding the world, and learning—with custom-designed courseware.

What’s particularly interesting about Gates’ reflections is just how widespread online learning is becoming. We’ve already looked at the tipping point for eLearning in this blog, but it’s worth noting again that the early criticisms of computer-based learning have been answered. That’s why computers are filling the classrooms and training is done through simulations and online testing.

Imagine a world in which we all have access to the greatest minds. This vision is possible with today’s technology. With custom-designed courseware, any material can be brought to life. We can all be inspired and motivated to excel and transform ourselves and the world.