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Free higher education cons and pros?

What are the pros and cons of MOOCs in higher education?

  • Has there been any criticism of MOOC's in higher education?  Are they valid?  How will MOOCs change higher education? I ran across this and thought it might be thought provoking: http://thenewinquiry.com/blogs/zunguzungu/a-moment-of-dreaming-about-higher-education/

  • Answer:

    I'm going to suggest 10 big ways MOOCs can add value to the traditional university experience--and to push the limits of whats possible & to expand innovation in higher education: MOOCs could empower a unique version of blended experiential learning (blended learning = hybrid of online & offline to offer a fuller range of experience, but perhaps a higher scalability) MOOCs will put pressure on teachers & universities to improve services (value migration & industry disruption). MOOCs also offer the opportunity to flip the classroom (saving time for other types of experiences...see also blended learning & project based learning) MOOCs also offer teachers & universities an opportunity at semi-free marketing.  And certainly give them an opportunity to contribute beyond the classroom. MOOCs ofter the opportunity for entra-campus & entra-city & entra-continental collaboration among teachers. MOOCs offer the opportunity to experiment--with super low risk & low cost. (New content, new teaching and learning models, new assignments).  This is particularly the case when the content is super-new & super-niche or based on an integration across disciplines. MOOCs offer the opportunity to explore a discipline without risking the money MOOCs offer the opportunity to explore electives MOOCs can be a prototype step before courses go online in a comprehensive way. MOOCs can be a platform for teachers sharing with teachers and learning from other teachers.  It can enhance professional development overall. If learners think that the MOOCs experience will give them the: Classroom experience Feedback Experiential learning Group discussion of the classroom Of a classroom environment--they may. Currently most all the MOOCs I know are free.  I'm curious how they might be integrated in creative ways as free/paid, but probably cheaper course alternatives particularly for introductory or supplementary courses.

Nathan Ketsdever at Quora Visit the source

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The ease of access and world-class instruction make MOOCs a very attractive option for people seeking to further their education and expand their skill sets. Some even hope to leverage this experience to secure their next job. Could MOOCs, a still untested form of education, really strengthen your resume and help you find a job? Let’s look at the pros and the cons. Disadvantages of MOOCs They don’t replicate an in-person learning environment. The solitary nature of online learning means that MOOCs are not equivalent to courses taken at a college or university. Attending lectures and completing assignments and examinations without supervision simply can't offer the same benefits of in-person instruction. Although some MOOC services provide discussion forums and encourage student meet-ups, personal interactions and hands-on learning are very difficult, if not impossible, to replicate outside of the class environment. Accreditation is not guaranteed. MOOCs are not necessarily accredited supplements to higher education. Although they may have ties to some of the best schools in the world, most of the courses do not offer academic credit. While some schools such as Antioch University and Colorado State University offer credit for select courses, it remains difficult to gain official recognition for your course work. If MOOCs have all these drawbacks, should anyone be considering them to strengthen their education and skill sets? How much could a certificate of completion from a MOOC service be worth? The truth is they may provide intangible benefits that can help land your next job. MOOCs may not add to college transcript, but taking a MOOC can be an asset to your job search. Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2013/03/can-moocs-really-help-you-get-a-job.html#ixzz2ODYiLQUF

Robert Meyer

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