I learn a lot by reading. However, formal (classroom) education creates new ways to look at things that i otherwise would not have reached on my own.. I appreciate individual education, but group education is much more enlightening due to the interaction.

I have seen some good things on Coursera, but I would not substitute it for higher education at an accredited university.

If I understand your question … it takes me way back to the public service message (remember those?) where ‘Lincoln’ is at a job interview saying, “I’ve done a lot of reading, sort of on my own” … as it goes on to suggest we youngsters continue on to acquire that “Sheepskin.”

Rode with ‘the boss’ yesterday, a brilliant man and community leader, who described the various courses he and his wife have studied on their own. No credit, just them ‘knowing’ stuff others might find ..worthless.

I say, pile it up. Hell, I was hired without credentials

It depends on how you use it!