by Mike Acedo
In today’s world, society has placed its highest value ever on upper education and its requirement in the work force.
Unfortunately, the price tag for such an education has simultaneously risen exponentially, limiting millions of potential students from attaining the fundamental human right of a quality education. Furthermore, it prevents students from broadening their own knowledge and stems their capability of developing new skills that may improve their own lives, their families, and their communities. Fortunately, with the rise of technology in today’s society, it has become possible for the low income and underserved members of society to have access to a free, quality education from some of the top universities in the world.
With the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), students from anywhere with an Internet connection, can access free courses facilitated by some of the top educators and experts in every subject area. From mathematics, to computer science, to philosophy, to business design, MOOCs give learners unprecedented access to some of the most valuable knowledge, from some of the most prestigious universities, for free. Though most of the courses do not offer actual credit towards a degree, some MOOCs are beginning to offer certificates, additional credit options, and other enhanced learning services for nominal fees. Students have also been able to submit course work done through MOOCs to their own universities and be granted credit or research units. Additionally, students may use completed courses as a way to build their qualifications by highlighting their work on resumes, cover letters, and social media.
Though some have criticized the real value of MOOCs, it is undeniable that these courses give students the capacity to learn at a level never before made available to them. It may not be perfect, nor at times pretty or easy, but it is a step forward towards the ultimate goal of providing a quality education to not only the lucky and privileged, but to all who seek to better themselves through learning.
Below is a list of courses from various MOOC providers, separated by subject areas that are increasingly valuable in today’s society. Also included are courses that educators can use to improve their own teaching methods, skills, and facilitate a more effective learning environment in their classrooms.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) for Students
Social Science
Unlocking the Immunity to Change: A New Approach to Personal Improvement
Society, Science, Survival: Lessons from AMC’s The Walking Dead
Personal and Professional Development
Information, Technology, and Design
Mathematics
Image and Video processing: From Mars to Hollywood with a stop at the hospital
Making Better Group Decisions: Voting, Judgment Aggregation and Fair Division
Business & Management
Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses, Part I
The Power of Macroeconomics: Economic Principles in the Real World
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) for Teachers
Effective Classroom Interactions: Supporting Young Children’s Development
Surviving Your Rookie Year of Teaching: 3 Key Ideas & High Leverage Technique
Emerging Trends & Technologies In the Virtual K-12 Classroom
Foundations of Teaching for Learning 3: Learners and Learning
Foundations of Teaching for Learning 7: Being a Professional
Foundations of Teaching for Learning 8: Developing Relationships
Tinkering Fundamentals: Integrating Making Activities into Your STEM Classroom
First Year Teaching (Elementary Grades) – Success from the Start
First Year Teaching (Secondary Grades) – Success From the Start