The MOOC market (Massive Open Online Courses) has exploded.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Lerner, Dec 1, 2013.

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  1. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    Lerner, Dec 1, 2013
    #1
  2. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Yes - it has exploded. Edx, Coursera, Udacity et al. It also has the potential to be a tremendous "bubble." Some wise poster here wrote that MOOCs are like the Kardashians - all hype and very little substance. :smile:

    They're certainly not without their critics - like one of Coursera's former "Star Professors," who quit teaching online because he felt that MOOCs seriously undermine public education.

    http://gigaom.com/2013/09/03/star-coursera-prof-stops-teaching-online-course-in-objection-to-moocs/

    I'd like to see where this movement is in 5 years or so. I might take such a course, but I'd never, never invest in a MOOC provider! ...Well, unless Warren Buffett does, I guess! :smile:

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 1, 2013
    Johann, Dec 1, 2013
    #2
  3. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    I already know I don't like Coursera. Their ACE-approved courses are rarely offered. I tried a couple of their music courses, but found the curriculum to be very basic. I don't really have an opinion on Udacity yet. I like that you can start one of their courses at anytime and work at your own pace. I gave up on their java course, but that's only because programming bores me to tears. What I like is Saylor since they've gotten NCCRS-approval for 3 of their courses, allow you to earn credit for microbiology through Straighterline, and they are working on aligning their courses with Uexcel and TECEP exams.
     
    sanantone, Dec 2, 2013
    #3
  4. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    sanantone, Dec 2, 2013
    #4
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I respect the Saylor Foundation. I'm not so sure about the others. And maybe they're a lot smarter than I am, but don't see why VCs think they're going to get a return of a billion dollars out of something like Coursera, which is probably their goal if they're putting $60M in.
     
    SteveFoerster, Dec 2, 2013
    #5

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