The Rise of The Network University
A complement to Balaji Srinivasan's idea of The Network State
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A network university is a learning social network. The idea of “network university” is a complement to Balaji Srinivasan's idea of a network state.
Balaji defines The Network State:
"A network state is a social network with a clear leader, an integrated cryptocurrency, a definite purpose, a sense of national consciousness, and a plan to crowdfund territory."
Network universities will take much of what the network state aims to accomplish but with a focus on learning through action.
Network universities are our exit from traditional education institutions. And, we've already seen early versions take shape with Y Combinator (and other accelerators), On Deck, and cohort-based courses.
A few components from the network state that we'll see in network universities: a definite purpose, an integrated cryptocurrency, a focus on community, and a plan to meet in person.
Definite Purpose
This is where geography comes in.
In the network university world, geography doesn't matter (at first). Remote has opened up the world so we can focus on bringing people together from around the world with similar values and goals.
H/t to @kwharrison13 for the great observation.
Traditional universities define their purpose, but they're generic and vague. If I were to read you the mission of a university, you probably couldn't name the institution.
Network universities have a chance to have a more definite purpose.
Look at YC for example. In a way, YC is a "university" that teaches you how to build a startup.
They bring like-minded people together in remote batches to "make something people want." It's a defined purpose.
Network universities will have a strict advantage over traditional universities - they will have the ability to be hyper-focused.
Similar to startups, network universities will have the benefit of finding a specific niche that they can own.
For example, YC didn't try to be a general business school. Instead, they focused on building tech startups. The global, distributed nature of the internet allows network universities to be focused.
The cohort-based course movement of the past year tapped into the definite purpose idea. Cohort-based courses thrived during COVID because they were focused on a clear learning objective (mostly by learning through action) and built a community around this learning purpose.
Cohorts are the best way to learn with a group of people directed at a defined purpose. From my experience running cohorts, it can create incredible bonds between members.
Network universities are similar to cohort-based courses. But, they take the cohort-based course idea a step further in two ways.
1. Integrated crypto
Creating a university token incentivizes alumni engagement and continued contribution to the school's mission. Integrated crypto incentivizes continued support of the university after the cohort has completed. It's no longer one cohort and out.
Also, it further aligns incentives of the university and the outcomes of the learners. I write more about this in Creating A Learning DAO.
2. A definite plan for in-person meetings
Online education drastically cuts the cost of education.
But, we're physical beings.
With a focus on learning and community, a network university will find inexpensive, common areas to meet and learn.
Network universities are the digitally native education model that will define the future of education.
The future of learning is bright.