FutureLearn Launches Free Online University Courses

[Ohio Joe]

Via Slashdot

The UK has entered the world of online education via “massive open online courses” (MOOCs) with the launch of FutureLearn – a platform which offers free access to educational programmes from 23 universities.

The courses will be available on PCs, smartphones and tablets to anyone with Internet access, in any part of the world. Design of the website includes “social learning” features such as discussion boards and profile pages, in hopes that interaction between students will help cut down on drop-out numbers – the bane of all MOOCs.

FutureLearn has entered open beta stage which will last until the beginning of 2014. It plans to run eight courses before the end of the year. The website will compete with already popular MOOCs from the US, such as Khan Academy and Coursera.

“FutureLearn has the potential to revolutionise conventional models of formal education,” commented Universities and Science Minister David Willetts. “I encourage all our institutions to explore the opportunities offered by new modes of technology, such as MOOCs. This will keep the UK ahead in the global race to deliver education in worldwide markets.”

http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/futurelearn-launches-free-online-university-courses-127389

FutureLearn is here:

https://www.futurelearn.com/

Though I'm just starting to look through what they have, there is some wicked cool stuff.

[mike_c]

1. "the global race to deliver education in worldwide markets"

Yep-- the commodification of education for profit. This is the promise of "online education." Low to no cost delivery, universities run from call centers and "the cloud." MOOCs are just the latest business model looking for a way to make money.

[djean111]

3. But - seems good for people who just cannot afford to go off to college.

[djean111]

2. Hey thanks - this does look great.