One of my politics professors brought to my attention a local organization called the Ithaca Freeskool. It’s a program that allows individuals to showcase their talents and teach them to others, no teaching degree necessary. Classes range from “Basic Clothing Repair,” “D.I.Y. Movie-Making II,” and “Current Issues in Health Care Reform.” There is no need for a long-term commitment, you can simply show up to one of these classes and you are not obligated to stay or contribute any money.
This is an organization that challenges the conventional system of education by offering practical teaching methods without a need for cost. In many ways it resembles Marxist ideas of community and joint decision-making. Of course, the downside is that anyone can teach a course, and so the quality of the teaching is debatable. Nevertheless, it should make Ithaca College and Cornell students ponder why they’re paying so much for education.
Even the name itself implies challenge to convention with the intentional spelling of the word “skool.” The fact that so many of the courses are practical sets it apart from any education system, which should make it more appealing to students who don’t know how to change the oil in their car.
Why Not Ithaca? 