MOOCs as a Lightning Rod

ByTracy Mitrano. MOOCs in their strict, literal sense have relatively limited potential primarily as branding for institutions and individual professors. Secondarily, they may supplement course material for students in accredited institutions or life-long learning exercises not unlike the offerings of the Teaching Company (except that thus far, they are for free, and include assignments, not just passive listening).  Do they have the potential to be more?  Lots of people think so, including a group of professors at Harvard, in direct response to California system professors who have objected.  Thomas Friedman of The New York Times gets their point, but rather than rue it, he praises it! Read more...