Outlier.org

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Kizmet, Aug 19, 2019.

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  1. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    On the one hand, $400 seems like a lot. On the other hand:

    "We are excited to be partnering with the University of Pittsburgh for our fall course. Upon successful completion, you will receive 3 college credits from the University of Pittsburgh that can be transferred to your school of choice. Just select the "Transfer my credits" option from the main course menu, fill out the form, and the University of Pittsburgh will mail an official transcript to your school of choice. We are currently in discussions with several top universities (including Pitt) as potential partners in 2020 and beyond."

    It doesn't say whether those are upper-division credits, but since the two courses they offer so far are Intro to Psych and Calculus 1, I doubt it. So online courses from one's community college would still almost always be a better deal.

    But, give them time, perhaps?
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I wonder how much of a cut Pittsburg gets?
     
    SteveFoerster likes this.
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  5. Mac Juli

    Mac Juli Well-Known Member

    innen_oda and eriehiker like this.
  6. Neuhaus

    Neuhaus Well-Known Member

    There doesn't seem to be a reason presented as to why they wouldn't. There is no indication these will appear on a transcript differently than any other course or with some sort of notation that would make them less desirable for transfer (like Graduate Credits vs Extension Credits or something). The article asks a good question. It just never gets around to answering it as it falls into the pitfalls of credit transfer, in general.
     
  7. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Cheap enough, but not extraordinarily so. Same 3 credits as you'd get from dozens of other sources - but Outlier has "cinema quality video" so it's an "immersive experience." Knock it off - this isn't Netflix - or Harvard. You want cheap - and good? Try ASU or one of the other providers - inexpensive, known quality and a realistic number of courses. A two-course wonder - I'm not impressed, even if they have two more in beta.

    If they had a full course range, you'd be looking at an $8,000 Associate or $16,000 Bachelor's. Do 2 years online at a RA CoCo and find a Bachelor's completion -- you could probably equal or surpass Outlier in value a number of ways. And by the time (if ever) Outlier offers complete degree programs, you could be done.
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2020
  8. Mac Juli

    Mac Juli Well-Known Member

    The astronomy course would be cool... but yes, $400 are way too much. Got this stuff even cheaper as Open University.
     
  9. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Yes, it would. For $400, you can buy a quite acceptable (not deluxe) amateur astronomical telescope. My son's wife bought him one for Christmas some years back. She knew he'd always wanted one. With that, some books I gave him and his own digging and ingenuity - he's learned a lot and enjoyed astronomy first-hand, from his backyard-in-the-boondocks. Now, their two sons are doing the same - often with their father's help - and his telescope.

    Life would be less fun, if one had to log academic credit for every single interest. Not saying there's anything wrong with having a documented education - or why would I be here at DI? :) Just that not every interest has to be pursued formally. Sometimes there are ways that involve "better bang-for-the-buck." Thankfully, we all get to choose...
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2020
  10. AsianStew

    AsianStew Moderator Staff Member

    Not half off, but close enough:

    Black Friday is almost here, but why should you have to wait for the best deal of the season: save an extra 40% off the world’s best online courses that are already half the cost of traditional college.

    Now’s the time to invest in your future and earn college credits, for less. Plus, if you do all the work and don’t pass, you’ll get a full refund, so you have nothing to lose.

    Snag this deal before it’s gone. Offer expires on 11/28.

    Use promo code: BLACKFRIDAY40
     

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