NVidia, Mercedes-Benz and Google Ex-Chief Team Up To Form Self-Driving Micro Courses

Ex-Google Car Chief Sebastian Thrun just announced a partnership with software and computer chip company NVidia and luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz in a bid to improve education when it comes to self-driving technology. The move is meant to supplement the courses that Thrun’s institution called Udacity is already offering.

Thrun started Udacity back in 2012 after he had left Google, Forbes reports. It’s basically a school that caters specifically to individuals who want to learn more about self-driving technology. With the new partnership deal, Udacity is set to offer more focused courses called “nano degrees” in order to familiarize engineers with the fast-paced developments in the industry.

Other companies that are participating in the new initiative include the self-driving startup that was acquired by “Uber” called “Otto” and the Chinese cab hailing giant “DiDi.” This makes the coalition one of the largest of its kind in the auto industry.

“Technology companies, automotive manufacturers, media giants and start-ups around the world are rapidly pushing new advances in this space, whether it be hardware or software. And, they all need talent,” Thrun wrote via blog post.

This development is further proof that online education has become an actual option for students who don’t have the means or the willingness to attend physical classrooms. However, even with his stake in the massive online open course market, Thrun is of the opinion that traditional universities are still the better choice, Fortune reports.

“If my son was admitted to, say, Carnegie [Mellon University] or Udacity, I would send him to Carnegie [Mellon],” Thrun said.

Thrun believes that the old school approach of traditional schools is still incredibly important in helping students achieve higher education. Institutions like Udacity simply can’t provide youths with the environment that they need in order to grow and mature as individuals the way college campuses could. Educational tools might evolve, but the surroundings still play a role in shaping the future of students.