Welcome to the Brave New World of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) | The New York Times

More top colleges are offering free massive open online courses, but companies and universities still need to figure out a way to monetize them.


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Welcome to the Brave New World of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

[theroadsofar]

Thank you, New York Times, for recognizing this! I heard about Udacity from a friend in multivariable calculus at BYUI, and now I am hooked! I just learned from this video about coursera and edx and I have both websites opened up in tabs right now!! THANK YOU, NEW YORK TIMES!

[surengy]

That's what the future looks like.. no more boring lectures ;)

[finnfunmaths]

I'd love to organize a Mooc of Finnish innovative EcTech experiments in schools, classrooms and beyond! Would you be interested in the topic?

[moocsengine]

Very informative video's regarding Moocs.

[brandtmccall]

As someone like millions of people globally believe that education is a right, elementary to all post sec. To paid for via gov't funding and philanthropy. Increased knowledge for all people always adds to the public good there are a range of benefits. MOOCs are only going to grow in relevancy, ie. very accessible, free to very inexpensive and lots of financial assistance available to those whom cannot afford the classes, online learning is growing as people are trying to have very full lifestyles and do not always have the time for traditional learning forums ie. going to class everyday. I enjoy interactive in person learning at least with MOOCs classes can be held via video conference and skype as well so there is more contact with classmates and the instructors. MOOCs already do offer certificates for many courses in which exams and assignments must be successfully past thus supporting the student knows the material for a job situation. A logistic/supply course I took through MOOC/MIT was key to helping me receive job offers in logistics a field I love. However I also have read alot on the subject and love the field, and applied to companies that were not advertising for when they did need someone whom is very motivated in logistics.

[MatisyahuGreenspan]

Things cost money. Besides, monetization doesn't mean that they will start charging for courses. Google's services are free, their monetization comes mostly from ad revenue. So what's wrong with that?

[scienceisknolwedge]

Also, the revenue from ads is not something "cool and fine", it's at a certain point, absurdly unethical. Search for Eli Pariser's book The Invisible Filter - there is also a lecture of it on Youtube.

[alonzo]

MOOCs must have changed in the past year, because many now aren't STEM related. Such as right now I am taking a class about fairy tales. I see many other humanities courses too.

[TheRowdyTiger]

Don't argue with them. People like that don't ever put any real thought into how money is made or business is done. They probably complain about ads too.

[scienceisknolwedge]

If monetize means to collectively donate to keep it working it's fine, if it comes to profit it won't be nice. See what google made of youtube?

[scienceisknolwedge]

Don't fucking dare to monetize them!

[smichaeldennis]

like choice branding on Facebook for the best design news

[scienceisknolwedge]

Not really; now Google is not only making profit, but huge amounts. They already sell what we search and tags, now videos before videos and if you don't have one account, it's impossible to use, there's to much propaganda.
They just won't handle it the right way - Youtube is not here to serve anything but profit to Google, that's a problem for us.