Elon Musk Thinks Classrooms Should Be Like Video Games!

“Allow people to progress at the fastest pace that they can in each subject!”

Education has always been a hot topic, with debates on how to make it more effective, engaging, and enjoyable for students. In a world where technology and video games have become integral parts of everyday life, why not harness their power to transform education into an adventure of discovery and growth? In an interview from 2013, Elon Musk expresses his thoughts on gamifying education. Musk highlights its potential to revolutionize the way we learn. This blog post will explore the key takeaways from the video, emphasizing the need for interactive and engaging learning experiences. Let's get into it!

Musk's belief is simple yet profound: when education mirrors the captivating nature of video games, it becomes compelling on its own. Imagine if children didn't need reminders but instead were naturally drawn to learning through interactive and engaging educational experiences. By incorporating elements of gamification, education can become far more stimulating and easier to comprehend.

This shift towards a gamified learning environment paves the way for a more customized educational experience, breaking away from the one-size-fits-all approach. Traditionally, education has been structured around grade levels, treating all students the same regardless of their individual abilities and interests. Gamification, however, introduces the possibility of a more personalized approach. Musk advocates for decoupling grade levels from subjects to “allow people to progress at the fastest pace that they can in each subject”. “It seems like a very obvious thing,” he says.

Building on this idea, Musk contrasts traditional education methods with gamification's potential to rejuvenate learning. He compares conventional teaching to vaudeville or stage performances, highlighting the often monotonous and disengaging nature of standard lectures. This analogy underscores the repetitive and uninspiring aspects of traditional education. Through gamification, there's a significant opportunity to revitalize teaching techniques, transforming them into vibrant and interactive experiences that capture and retain students' attention, making learning more enjoyable and effective.

Further challenging traditional educational models, Musk questions the assembly line-like progression in schools. He argues that students should not be treated as objects in a production line, advocating for a more flexible and tailored approach to education. By breaking away from fixed grade levels and allowing students to explore subjects at their own pace, we can tap into their inherent curiosity and passion, fostering a love for learning that transcends conventional constraints.

University Degrees: Essential or Optional?

Expanding on these innovative ideas in education, the interview takes a turn to address a broader question in the realm of higher education. This inquiry, raised by entrepreneur Peter Thiel, probes the necessity of a university education in today's world. While acknowledging that a university degree is not always essential for every individual, Musk emphasizes that the first two years of a degree program often encompass the majority of the knowledge gained in that field. Moreover, the importance of completing a degree is recognized by some companies as a testament to perseverance. However, if an individual's goal is to start a company, the completion of a college education may not be as crucial.

A Gamified Future

As we reflect on Elon Musk's innovative perspectives on education, it becomes clear that the traditional models of learning are increasingly misaligned with the demands and opportunities of the 21st century. In an era where technology and digital engagement are omnipresent, the integration of gamification into education isn't just a novel idea; it's a necessary evolution. This approach aligns with the systemic changes needed to address the complex challenges of modern education.

At Mastory, we recognize the urgency of this transformation. Our mission is to bring the excitement and engagement of video games into the realm of math education, making learning not just effective but also enjoyable. By creating 21st-century content and tools that enable user-generated educational materials, we strive to make math learning as captivating as a video game. This approach is crucial because system-level problems in education require system-level solutions. While individual teachers can make a significant impact, the broader structural changes are needed to reshape how we educate our future generations.

These challenges underscore the need for innovative solutions like those proposed by thinkers like Elon Musk and implemented by initiatives like Mastory. By embracing technology and innovation, we can transform education into an adventure of discovery and growth, ensuring that our educational systems not only keep pace with the times but also prepare students for a future where they can thrive.

In conclusion, education doesn't have to be a chore; it can and should be an exhilarating journey of discovery and growth. With the right tools, content, and mindset, we can revolutionize education for the next generation, making it more engaging, effective, and aligned with the realities of the digital age. Join us at Mastory in this exciting endeavor to make math learning feel like a video game, and be part of the change that reshapes education for the better.

You can watch the entire interview here; the segment about education begins at 37:28.