On 30/05/18 13:31, Stephen Loosley wrote:
... incredible our every-day Internet has developed into and has now become ... for example ... free education ...
The techniques now being used for the free online courses were adapted from those developed for open and distance universities over the last few decades.
The "free" aspect of online education is perhaps is the least important, just as open source software is nit just about getting something for free. What is more important is access to education for people who were otherwise denied it, due to where they are, their work and family commitments. Also important is institutions cooperating on providing standardized courses.
The very best universities and institutes of learning, offering well over 2,000 free courses, on seemingly every topic under the sun. ...
Keep in mind that "free" online courses are not necessarily as free as they seem. The usual approach is to allow students to participate without charge, but if they want a certificate of achievement, there is a small charge. If they want credit for a formal qualification, they pay more. I added up what it cost for one "free" program and found it was cheaper to enroll at the local TAFE.
Also the quality of free courses can be variable. Just the processes finding a suitable free course can be time consuming. I studied this topic at university, in an online (but not free) course. http://www.tomw.net.au/digital_teaching/use_open_education_resources.shtml
ps: I am speaking on education to the Senate Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers, Parliament House, Canberra, Senate hearing room 2S1, Monday 2:10 pm. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Future_of_Work_and_Workers/FutureofWork
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