Distance Learning on the Internet - Harvard & MIT Change all the Rules
edX is a new Internet distance learning site that promises to transform education to “enhance campus-based teaching and learning, and build a global community of online learners.” The joint partnership announcement promised that edX will:
...offer online learning to millions of people around the world. EdX will offer Harvard and MIT classes online for free.
The Atlantic calls edX the “The Single Biggest Change in Education Since the Printing Press.”
Does this really make sense, what's so new about Internet distance learning? Or is it just free Harvard and MIT education for millions around the world?
Actually Khan Academy claims it has already delivered more than +149 million lessons to date. I guess distance learning is already well-developed, and perhaps Harvard and MIT finally figured out they need to get with it!
Distance Learning is not new. Some of these classes have been available for a while now. Video via distance learning is not new. While free, the courses carry zero credit hours towards a degree. Same with Khan Academy. Very good. Very useful. Not part of any accredited curriculum. Today, we deliver right at 50,000 accredited hours via our distance learning system that are part of a degree program. Credits that count are valuable in job seeking. Credits that are, aren't. Great for personal improvement and knowledge, but as of today, little else. Will that change? Interesting thought. Will edX get accredited? FAQs say just mastery certificates for passing exams and courses cannot be used by MIT or Harvard students for credits. Hmmmm...wonder is unaccredited education will become the norm?