I’ve worked with two MIT engineers. The ChemE was super - self starter, logical problem solver, effective. The MechE couldn’t find her way out of a closet with a map.
The knowledge and information has always been available to those that will work to get it. Putting it to practical use is up to the individual. Degrees are worth the paper they’re printed on.
I generally agree with you. The information is out there and ready, for the willing and able student.
But most people are not good self-learners. Not everybody can be a Thomas Jefforson or a Ben Franklin or a Steve Jobs. Most people need a structure that they can work with and measures along the way, to ensure they are learning at an acceptable rate.
One of the really good things that MIT is doing by this, is allowing people to learn at the rate they are capable of. Those who are good learners won’t be slowed down by the slower learners and the slower learners can move at the rate they are capable of.
It will probably help create a more educated populace, because the emphasis moves towards results and away from the process.