Free online learning platforms have boomed in popularity in recent times. Also called massive open online courses (MOOCs), these programs are available for anyone who wants to take. The topics range from superhero fantasy and science fiction technology mathematics to literature. Suppliers MOOC, in my mind, opened a wonderful world to teach those who wish to continue to soak in the knowledge even when they are already out of school.
Although suppliers MOOC were welcomed with open arms by students from around the world, the road has not always been smooth – for both providers and learners. In Minnesota, for example, there is a law that requires colleges to obtain government permission before providing education within the state. This seems logical, but it seems that the government has extended the application of the law to MOOC providers. This is the moot point, perhaps as online platforms are not akin to the classical colleges. Naturally, that has attracted people’s attention, and it seems that the state has canceled its ban.
Among suppliers MOOC, Coursera is one of the best known. Personally, I’ve had a few attempts to complete a course, but have not yet managed to finish it. In all cases, the success of the platform should not be measured by the performance (or lack thereof) of people like me.
Indeed, it seems that providers MOOC, Coursera in particular, have achieved very good results, so much so that the American Council on Education has given its seal of approval.
ACE College Credit Recommendation Service has identified five Coursera course, which, if they are taken by students could potentially be counted as credit if / when they work their graduation. Although there is no certainty as to whether a college or university credit the Coursera programs, there are thousands of schools that participate in the recommendation of the ACE.
Interested in making your e-learning efforts count in the traditional sense? Here are the five accredited courses offered by Coursers.
- Pre-calculation of the University of California, Irvine
- Introduction to Genetics and evolution of Duke University
- Bioelectricity: A Quantitative Approach, Duke University
- Calculus: Single Variable, University of Pennsylvania
- Algebra of the University of California, Irvine
I hope we will see more added to the list.
[Images via tech360ng & stanforddaily]
