I have been watching the MOOC movement for the past few year.  For those who don’t know, MOOC is “Massive Open Online Course.”  The MOOC began in 2008 (I think) but really started to become popular in 2012.  MOOCs are designed to bring free learning to the masses.  While it will be a long time before all formal learning is free, MOOCs are pushing the boundaries and disrupting Higher Education.  Just look at what Arizona State University is doing.  If you want credit, it will cost you about $200 per credit hour, but if you just want to learn, it is free!

This makes me wonder where MOOCs will take us.  Are MOOCs the future?  I think they will be part of the future.  What they are doing is ushering in change.  Students will begin to demand lower cost educational options.  This alone will cramp the style of traditional higher education.

What about higher education accreditation?  Talk about a system stuck in the past.  As colleges and universities begin to make changes to meet the growing demand of a new style of learner, how will accrediting bodies learn, adjust and change?   Maybe they need a MOOC course to prepare them for this.  HA!

I think the verdict is still out there on MOOCs.  I don’t think they are a fad, but they need to be able to deliver on the learning outcomes and employment.  Some things to ponder….

• Are MOOCs moving Higher Ed to a personalized or customized education model?
• Are MOOCs able to prepare people for the workforce?
• How do MOOCs value or undervalue the role of a teacher?
• Can universities handle massive or will they be offering an OOC?
• Do crocs really need to do a death roll?  Just checking to see if you are reading:)
• Do developers of MOOCs give up intellectual ownership with the course content?

I’m sure there are plenty of pros and cons to MOOCs and plenty of people on either side of the topic.  Ultimately, I am glad they are here.  My hope is that we see them begin to prepare students and under employed people for careers.  Maybe even a better way to certify learning beyond higher ed accreditation.  Time to share the wealth and open learning to the masses!