“Curiosity doesn’t have to wait for a classroom” with MIT Open Learning resources
By Lauren Rebecca Thacker
Vedant Dobwal studies mathematics, physics, and chemistry because they spark something in him: curiosity, passion, and a drive to contribute knowledge to the world. He uses MIT Open Learning resources not only because of the information they provide, but because they spark something, too.
“MIT Open Learning doesn’t just make education accessible — it makes it alive,” says Dobwal. “MIT OpenCourseWare at Open Learning shaped how I approach research and beyond that, it taught me how to explore knowledge with freedom and curiosity. Curiosity doesn’t have to wait for a classroom.”
Now a sophomore at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Dobwal plans to pursue a major in mathematics. His interest in the natural sciences began when he was a child. He wanted to explore the world’s natural phenomenon and became enthralled with math’s ability to explain the universe. As a high school student, his interest grew. That is when, in 2021, a simple internet search led him to find MIT OpenCourseWare. Since then, he says, it has been a constant companion.
OpenCourseWare, part of MIT Open Learning, is a free, online library of educational resources from more than 2,500 courses that span the MIT undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Learners can browse content at their own pace, watch lectures, read course notes, and hear from faculty experts.
Taking advantage of resources including Quantum Physics I, Calculus, and Linear Algebra gave Dobwal a strong foundation for his undergraduate studies. Once at school, lectures on plasma physics and non-linear systems supplemented what he was learning in his classes and allowed him to go deeper.
Dobwal says that the clarity and depth of the lectures set him up for success. He also appreciates how user-friendly the resources are, making it easy for him to find subjects that interest him. And the fact that this is all available for free is essential.
“As someone studying and doing research in a resource-limited environment, MIT Open Learning has shown me that world-class education can truly be democratized,” he says. “I’ve been able to learn advanced topics years ahead of my formal curriculum, adapt them for research, and even share that understanding with peers. It creates a ripple effect and builds a culture of self-learning and academic confidence.”
As Dobwal looks ahead, he is curious about plasma physics, chaos theory, multivariable calculus, Turing patterns, and morphogenesis, and he is always on the lookout for Open Learning resources that could nurture those interests. Right now, he isn’t interested in narrowing his focus.
“I don’t want to be specific to a certain field; I would like to contribute in multiple fields,” he says. “After college, I would just love to explore and contribute to things that interest me in the future.”
MIT Open Learning will surely be by his side as he explores.
“It is one of the most empowering platforms I’ve had access to,” Dobwal says. “MIT Open Learning gives students like me a chance to dream bigger and start sooner. I’m deeply grateful to be part of the impact Open Learning is making around the world.”
To explore more lifelong learning opportunities from MIT, visit MIT Learn, a dynamic, AI-powered hub designed by Open Learning.
“Curiosity doesn’t have to wait for a classroom” with MIT Open Learning resources was originally published in MIT Open Learning on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.