What is MOOC?
MOOC is Massive Online Open Courses. These are free, online classes that students can take.
Are MOOCs available in different topics?
The answer is that it varies. Many MOOC sites are dedicated to just one “school” of learning: for example a MOOC site that may offer courses focused on teaching, with the option to take a teaching certificate. However, there are also MOOC sites that operate more like a university with a larger variety of topics for study. The two MOOC sites with the largest course catalog are Coursera and EdX, though not all advertised course are always available.
Do these MOOC online classes result in a degree or certification?
MOOC courses do not yet offer degrees, but several MOOC websites offer the ability to take proctored exams in offered subjects so students can obtain certificates. They are available from Coursera and EdX for an additional fee, and if proctor operations are available.
Are MOOC classes also available in languages other than English?
Many international people have shown keen interest in taking MOOC courses. Some MOOC sites do offer classes in foreign languages, but few. The two sites that offer translation of courses into foreign languages are Coursera and EdX.
MOOC was discussed during MSU Board of Regents meeting in August 12, 2012. Dr. Wilson indicated that Morgan is in discussion with UDACITY about a partnership where, perhaps, some of our students might be able to take courses like Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Statistics, and Introduction to Physics at no cost and have those courses count toward credits for their academic degrees.
Additional discussion among other colleagues centered around the impact on the university and other HBCU’s since most of our students are dependent on financial aid. It was also mentioned that this would help with branding MSU as a major player and concern over providing education to everyone.