Have you guys heard of Coursera -- free online classes?

[GemFever]

Offered by major universities. I think it's a new experimental thing. I'm currently signed up for intro to Sociology (the class started last week, taught by a Princeston professor), and in the fall I'll try Greek and Roman Mythology.

About to read the first assignment for sociology. Super excited, so I thought I'd share.

https://www.coursera.org/about

 

[movie zombie]

think i'd read about it but didn't follow up on it. apparently, there are a lot of free online courses.

the history from 1300 on looks interesting.

so, do you take tests? is there online dialog to discuss points?

 

[GemFever]

I think there are tests, though I haven't taken one yet. The intro to sociology I'm taking is going to have a midterm and a final, but I have no idea how they are going to be graded since the prof said in the introduction to the lecture that there are 30,000 people registered. I think there is a discussion forum. Have yet to figure out how to use it.

 

[lknvrb4]

Looks pretty cool, I will have to show DH.

 

[iheartscience]

My school emailed me about it and there were several I'm interested in, but I ended up taking 2 master of bioethics classes this summer so skipped the Coursera classes. I figured it would be too much to take both and I needed to focus on the ones that will go towards a degree. But once I finish these classes I may try to take one of the Coursera classes.

 

[GemFever]

Update: took the midterm for Intro to Sociology. Three essay questions, two shorter ones (250 word max) and a longer one (750 word max). They are graded through peer assessment -- each student has to grade a minimum of five midterms following a rubric, and then grade yourself. Once the peer assessment period is over, we'll get our grades. So far, it's been fun!

 

[JewelFreak]

A friend of mine teaches online classes, not sure for what organization. He enjoys it -- works hard at exam time & in the discussion forums. He teaches theater, can't figure how you do that online, but I guess it works!

-- Laurie

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Thanks for posting about this. I'm going to sign up for one that begins in sept when the kids go back to school. Just gotta decide if I should take something fun or something that will help with future job skills.