What is a MOOC?

I recently was speaking with a friend of mine, Kathleen, and she mentioned a website she had came across that offered a list of a number of certificate (and the like) courses from Canadian and American Universities...for free. PARDON? But why?...

A massive open online course (MOOC) is an online course aiming at large scale-participation and open access via the web. MOOCs are a recent development in distance education. They are similar to college courses, but typically do not offer academic credit, and instead often offer a statement of accomplishment.

I was in. I love to learn, and being able to self-direct my learning so much in this way really excited me. The website that she referred me to was Coursera, check it our for yourself! There are a number of courses offered in a wide range of topics.

I signed up for the following three in the upcoming weeks:

1. Aboriginal Worldviews and Education (University of Toronto)
2. Know Thyself (University of West Virginia)
3. "Pay Attention" ADHD Through the Lifespan (University of Pennsylvania) 

The Aboriginal Worldviews and Education one has just begun and I can already tell that I am going to really love it. This is a subject area that I am very unfamiliar with, and cannot wait to learn more about.

I look forward to recording my journey as I navigate these new online learning environments!

Happy thoughts,
Miss Scott