Here are the websites: edX and OpenCourseWare
Ignoring the currently trendy InterCap names, here you get MIT- (and other university)-level courses. OpenCourseWare came first, years ago, as a free repository of curricular materials from actual MIT courses. Originally, the material found on OCW was spotty, sometimes only a few syllabuses posted, or perhaps the final exam. Part of the concept was to provide material for other teachers around the world, more than for other learners.
But as time went on, OCW added video and audio of some of the courses, such the very popular Classical Mechanics course. Some classes have entire, free textbooks posted. I have used the OCW site for years for reference material for myself, as well as to help me teach some other concepts.
But there were things missing from this experience compared to regular college courses. Sure, you could download assignments or tests, but it's not like anybody would grade them.
Enter edX, which provides online courses, with assignments, labs, and exams — the whole schmeer. This is serious stuff, though, with real timetables and deadlines, unlike with Udacity. And the timetables seem to line up with regular college semesters, which is a weakness to a certain extent.
The courses are free, and like with Udacity, there is talk of getting certification for a nominal fee in the future, which is not yet implemented.
I tried out 6.002x when it was first launched as MITx, but only got a few weeks in. It was just a large time commitment, having to go by this schedule… and it really wasn't fun to me. But if you want serious college courses from top notch universities, this is a great way to try them out for free.
All 12 Days:
- The Gift of Tongues - free foreign language instruction online
- Learn Lots about History with Bob - long-running podcast on history
- Learn with Udacity - free online college classes, mainly in comp sci
- KHAAAAAAAAAN - free math videos and exercises at Khan Academy
- MIT education for free - online, of course
- Lectures on CD/DVD - with a few of my favorite instructors and courses (not free, but available at many libraries)
- YouTube - not just good for cute cat videos
- Helping those who can't read - cheap audiobook resources for those who need the help, and great volunteer opportunity for those who can help
- Free audiobooks for all! - public domain works easily downloaded
- More free college courses - online, with loads of subjects covered
- Learn to code - online, for free, in a fun way
- The Museum of Math! Woot! (I still need to go in person – maybe later this month)
Robbo on December 17, 2012 at 11:48 pm said:
I am following one of the edX courses. It has changed the rules of Higher Education. Why go onto campus when you can take the course at home, on your timetable, at nil cost ? The universities that have prestigious reputations will attract masses of students. The rest will face a shattering change in their circumstances, which may unroll in just a few years. The long term effects are going to be massive.
Meep on December 18, 2012 at 2:20 pm said:
It definitely will make a dent in adult education…and I can already think of some business models for people for auxiiliary services for people who want more one-on-one help