They say that nothing in life is free. Unfortunately, for online learners, the same case rests true with MOOCs. People often seem to forget that things are free for a reason, and MOOC courses are the same way. Why are these classes too good to be true?
You Aren’t Awarded College Credit
You better believe that colleges and universities aren’t going to be losing money by offering free learning. Even though Harvard or MIT offers the same class to online learners as those who pay for their services, only the ones who pay are going to get credit. Only 5 MOOCs have been ACE approved for course credit, and the large database of others only offer small certifications.
It Requires Dedication, Persistence, and Self Discipline
For some people, it’s easier to learn alone with nobody to tell them when and what to do. But for most of us who need some direction, it may be hard to schedule extra time in the day for a class that awards no credit but requires the same dedication as a class that does. Classes often last as long as a normal class, so not being able to go ahead with your work when you’ve learned what you want may be an issue, also.
Classes are Often Too Large
Unlike traditional college classes that have small class sizes, MOOCs can have several thousand students in a class at one time. This can make it hard to do the college discussions that most professors want you to have. Also, if you want to ask your teacher something, your question gets lost in their e-mail, so you have to turn to other classmates for answers.
There is No Standard Grading System
According to Education Dive, MOOCs have “no standard for assessment methodology”. What is the standard for grading? Would you pass this class if you were in a traditional classroom? Hopefully these questions will be assessed in the future, but for now the answers remain to be seen.
MOOCs seem to be paving the way for education, but just like everything that comes free, there are prices to pay somewhere else to make up for it. It’s uncertain to know what the future will hold for these courses. As more teachers and innovators sign up to take on the challenge of teaching thousands of students at a time, students signing up may find it more difficult to be an active participant in these classes.
Will MOOCs last? Most experts seem to think so. While there are disadvantages to these classes, the advantages of a free education draw educators and students from everywhere. Until these classes offer smaller classes, credit, and a more efficient class rooms, though, it seems that they will not draw the amount of learners that they are able to.
