On-Line Education

I'm a sucker for learning.  For information.  Back in May when I read that various colleges would be offering free on-line learning classes, I jumped at the opportunity.     Enrolling through Coursera, I began participating in the class "Health Policy and the Affordable Health Care Act" offered through the University of Pennsylvania.  With the complete understanding that there may be some bugs in this process, I over-looked the bad video, problems obtaining homework assignments, etc. and have just hung with it.  And, I have to admit, it's getting better. 

Coursera, through its partnership with 16 universities such as Duke, Princeton, Stanford, and Caltech, offers 100+ on-line classes.   Classes in Economics, Health, Math, Statistics, and Business to Humanities and Medicine.  Even a class on equine nutrition through the University of Edinburgh!   There is something here for everyone.  And it appears as though Coursera will continue to increase its catalog of classes.  The University of Illinois recently announced that it will be partnering with Coursera to offer free on-line classes.  And, the University of Washington will be offering 12 to 15 on-line for-credit classes via Coursera later in the year. 

While the non-credited, open-to-the-public classes are free, there may be a fee attached to cover instructor-enhanced on-line discussions or video chats.  Coursera is exploring certificates that would be branded with the university's name and sold to the student.  While they won't count towards a university credit, they would signify the completion of a course or minimum level of performance.

Coming in fall 2012 will be edX from Harvard and MIT.  They'll be throwing their academic hats into the on-line learning ring with an initial offering of 5 on-line classes.

I'm currently enrolled with Duke for two additional classes over the next 12 months: "Think Again: How to Reason and Argue" and "A Beginner's Guide To Irrational Behavior."    With class content like "How to Spot An Argument" or "How to Mess Up An Argument" I just couldn't resist! 

Distance learning is great.  Whether to brush up on new skills or learn some new facts (like how to argue), you can't go wrong.