Comments on: University of the People: free, online education http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:26:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: thodes http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570134 thodes Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:18:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570134 I meant these two courses you mentioned. I think there is no lack as the students are majoring in either business administration and computer science. They offer other courses in humanities and social sciences as well. I meant these two courses you mentioned. I think there is no lack as the students are majoring in either business administration and computer science. They offer other courses in humanities and social sciences as well.

]]> By: Substance McGravitas http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570115 Substance McGravitas Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570115  There's still plenty of free education out there; no need for these guys if you just want to learn.  There’s still plenty of free education out there; no need for these guys if you just want to learn.

]]> By: mindysan33 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570085 mindysan33 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:12:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570085  A new book idea, history using Foucauldian theories: An Archeology of Oasisob1's Hair! Anyone got Verso's number.  They'll be all over this one.  A new book idea, history using Foucauldian theories: An Archeology of Oasisob1′s Hair! Anyone got Verso’s number.  They’ll be all over this one.

]]> By: mindysan33 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570076 mindysan33 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570076  Wait.... which?  I saw Art History and Greek and Roman Civilization on their list from the Arts and Sciences.  Wait…. which?  I saw Art History and Greek and Roman Civilization on their list from the Arts and Sciences.

]]> By: lev36 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570067 lev36 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:51:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570067 I'm waiting for Sabishii to offer an online degree.  I’m waiting for Sabishii to offer an online degree. 

]]> By: LikesTurtles http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570048 LikesTurtles Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:24:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570048 Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.  What I was posting about is a long series of similar announcements from various organizations made over the past decade, all heralding the new age of free online university education which never really panned out. So I've become a bit cautious about getting excited when yet another announcement is made because they rarely deliver on the big promises made. I'm sure this is just part of the process of getting to where we want to be but for now I'm going to have to see actual quality offered instead of getting excited again over a press release filled with grand ideas that end up poorly implemented.  Thanks for the links, I’ll check them out. 

What I was posting about is a long series of similar announcements from various organizations made over the past decade, all heralding the new age of free online university education which never really panned out. So I’ve become a bit cautious about getting excited when yet another announcement is made because they rarely deliver on the big promises made. I’m sure this is just part of the process of getting to where we want to be but for now I’m going to have to see actual quality offered instead of getting excited again over a press release filled with grand ideas that end up poorly implemented. 

]]> By: thodes http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570040 thodes Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:17:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570040 You are right. But university of the people offer a structured education. There are requirements that each student in the course has to meet such as answering the discussion forum question and participating, submitting the assignment and filling the learning journal which also has another question to answer. These are different ways to assess the knowledge of the students on the materials covered for the week. You are right. But university of the people offer a structured education. There are requirements that each student in the course has to meet such as answering the discussion forum question and participating, submitting the assignment and filling the learning journal which also has another question to answer. These are different ways to assess the knowledge of the students on the materials covered for the week.

]]> By: thodes http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570023 thodes Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:58:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570023 There are proctored courses as well. In addition, the instructor-student interaction exists.  There are proctored courses as well. In addition, the instructor-student interaction exists. 

]]> By: SamSam http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570021 SamSam Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:56:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570021 Actually <a href="http://www.coursera.org/" rel="nofollow">Coursera</a> has a bunch of good online courses (was taking one on the History of the World since 1300, but I couldn't keep up the time commitment) and <a href="http://www.edx.org/" rel="nofollow">EdX</a> is very reputable as well. Those are the two big ones that have been making news recently, so if you're talking about them you should go back and take a second look. Full disclosure: I have recently been writing software for one of EdX's science courses (though I haven't seen the course yet). Actually Coursera has a bunch of good online courses (was taking one on the History of the World since 1300, but I couldn’t keep up the time commitment) and EdX is very reputable as well. Those are the two big ones that have been making news recently, so if you’re talking about them you should go back and take a second look.

Full disclosure: I have recently been writing software for one of EdX’s science courses (though I haven’t seen the course yet).

]]> By: Paul Baxter http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570019 Paul Baxter Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570019 saylor.org has gone a long way toward providing free, university level curriculum programs. It has the same problems that other of these programs have, namely some some of certification that any particular student has learned the material provided. I think it would be fair to point out that the same problem exists at traditional universities. For certain subject areas, such as in medicine, this is dealt with by having outside agencies provide certification exams (such as the NCLEX for nursing). saylor.org has gone a long way toward providing free, university level curriculum programs. It has the same problems that other of these programs have, namely some some of certification that any particular student has learned the material provided. I think it would be fair to point out that the same problem exists at traditional universities. For certain subject areas, such as in medicine, this is dealt with by having outside agencies provide certification exams (such as the NCLEX for nursing).

]]> By: thodes http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1570017 thodes Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:50:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1570017 They offer these history courses. They offer these history courses.

]]> By: Jason Walker http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569989 Jason Walker Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:58:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569989 Hey, guess what? Accredited online colleges exist already. Hey, guess what? Accredited online colleges exist already.

]]> By: LikesTurtles http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569968 LikesTurtles Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:31:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569968 Hope this is better than the many other free/low cost university courses out there. It seem like every six months an effort like this is announced but when you go to the website, almost all of the courses are nothing but a list of books and a syllabus. Sometimes there are even homework assignments but usually not, and if there are, they're often missing the solutions. Actual video or audio recordings of lectures are very rare. For the most part, these free open courseware type sites are little more than a collection of hand outs from the first day of actual university classes. No doubt someone will eventually get things right. Khan Academy seems to be moving in the right direction but at this time is still awfully thin on what they offer. Most of other efforts so far have been heavy on press releases and light on actual academics.  Hope this is better than the many other free/low cost university courses out there. It seem like every six months an effort like this is announced but when you go to the website, almost all of the courses are nothing but a list of books and a syllabus. Sometimes there are even homework assignments but usually not, and if there are, they’re often missing the solutions. Actual video or audio recordings of lectures are very rare. For the most part, these free open courseware type sites are little more than a collection of hand outs from the first day of actual university classes.

No doubt someone will eventually get things right. Khan Academy seems to be moving in the right direction but at this time is still awfully thin on what they offer. Most of other efforts so far have been heavy on press releases and light on actual academics. 

]]> By: oasisob1 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569962 oasisob1 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:22:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569962 An education alone is not meaningless, but for now, the degree would be. If I had extra time and no worries about a job, attending this school might be the perfect thing for me. An education alone is not meaningless, but for now, the degree would be. If I had extra time and no worries about a job, attending this school might be the perfect thing for me.

]]> By: oasisob1 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569963 oasisob1 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:22:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569963 I never ever get my hair cut, so I could tell you the answer to that, for my hair. I never ever get my hair cut, so I could tell you the answer to that, for my hair.

]]> By: Andrew Andreeff http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569920 Andrew Andreeff Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:23:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569920  In the USA, Canada, France and Germany the main source of regulation of questions of sponsorship is the instruction establishing tax effects of sponsorship, especially concerning the sponsor. Owing to absence in these countries of any special legal acts for sponsorship, it is possible to judge that the mechanism of sponsorship is considered as customary business practice. http://www.law-us.blogspot.com/  In the USA, Canada, France and Germany the main source of regulation of questions of sponsorship is the instruction establishing tax effects of sponsorship, especially concerning the sponsor. Owing to absence in these countries of any special legal acts for sponsorship, it is possible to judge that the mechanism of sponsorship is considered as customary business practice. http://www.law-us.blogspot.com/

]]> By: TacoChuck http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569885 TacoChuck Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:42:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569885  I remember reading about an online university that offered all the course lectures, info and discussion sections online, but mid terms and finals were to be taken in person at one of the many existing for hire education and testing centers around the US. There are places that offer testing services/locations for other sorts of certification tests and perhaps things like the GRE or LSAT. Taking the tests was optional and had a cost. So if you just wanted to learn the education was free. If you wanted credits for the class, you had to pay the testing center to administer the test to you. That might make it past the one of the legitimate accreditation body's requirements, but I obviously don't know really.  I remember reading about an online university that offered all the course lectures, info and discussion sections online, but mid terms and finals were to be taken in person at one of the many existing for hire education and testing centers around the US.

There are places that offer testing services/locations for other sorts of certification tests and perhaps things like the GRE or LSAT.

Taking the tests was optional and had a cost. So if you just wanted to learn the education was free. If you wanted credits for the class, you had to pay the testing center to administer the test to you.

That might make it past the one of the legitimate accreditation body’s requirements, but I obviously don’t know really.

]]> By: Substance McGravitas http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569883 Substance McGravitas Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:39:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569883  Right.  Without that the degrees are meaningless.  The California Bureau of whatever is not something anyone takes seriously outside the state.  Right.  Without that the degrees are meaningless.  The California Bureau of whatever is not something anyone takes seriously outside the state.

]]> By: Hollow http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569880 Hollow Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:24:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569880 I think it's a great idea if they can get accredited. I would even take classes to finish my degree.  I think it’s a great idea if they can get accredited. I would even take classes to finish my degree. 

]]> By: maidhc http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569877 maidhc Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:19:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569877 In order to get accredited there would have to be some way to guarantee that the person who is getting the degree is the same person who is doing the work. Also, if it costs nothing to take a course, who is assessing the students' work? Volunteers? Computer programs? A "university" that allows people to get degrees by hiring someone else to take a battery of on-line multiple-choice tests for them is not likely to be accredited. On-line courses are fine if you just want to learn about something. Accreditation is another matter. It might be possible to verify the integrity of an on-line course if there is substantial instructor-student interaction, but if the students aren't paying, what is the source of the instructors' salaries? The website says next to nothing about the faculty of this university, but invites people to "volunteer to be a course instructor or course developer". In order to get accredited there would have to be some way to guarantee that the person who is getting the degree is the same person who is doing the work. Also, if it costs nothing to take a course, who is assessing the students’ work? Volunteers? Computer programs?

A “university” that allows people to get degrees by hiring someone else to take a battery of on-line multiple-choice tests for them is not likely to be accredited.

On-line courses are fine if you just want to learn about something. Accreditation is another matter. It might be possible to verify the integrity of an on-line course if there is substantial instructor-student interaction, but if the students aren’t paying, what is the source of the instructors’ salaries? The website says next to nothing about the faculty of this university, but invites people to “volunteer to be a course instructor or course developer”.

]]> By: David Michael McClain http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569812 David Michael McClain Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:51:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569812 Thanks. I'd like a refund on my $60k now. Thanks. I’d like a refund on my $60k now.

]]> By: mindysan33 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569738 mindysan33 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:32:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569738 But, honestly, I'm an historian, so the question I want to answer is what is the material condition of my hair, within each historical contextual moment... or some such.  But, honestly, I’m an historian, so the question I want to answer is what is the material condition of my hair, within each historical contextual moment… or some such. 

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569708 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:02:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569708 Like when someone asks if that's your real hair color. As opposed to.... your metaphorical hair color? Like when someone asks if that’s your real hair color. As opposed to…. your metaphorical hair color?

]]> By: mindysan33 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569699 mindysan33 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 02:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569699 Is yours?  Is anyones?  I'm feeling rather existential-y now... but they do have an intro to philosophy class... Hm. Personally, I think this is a great idea.  It's something that's been floating around since the 60s (free university level classes), but with some possibilities behind it.  I wonder how they line people up for teaching courses... I notice a lack of history courses (an art history and Greek/Roman civilizations, but that's all). Is yours?  Is anyones?  I’m feeling rather existential-y now… but they do have an intro to philosophy class… Hm.

Personally, I think this is a great idea.  It’s something that’s been floating around since the 60s (free university level classes), but with some possibilities behind it.  I wonder how they line people up for teaching courses… I notice a lack of history courses (an art history and Greek/Roman civilizations, but that’s all).

]]> By: Jeremy LaGant http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569692 Jeremy LaGant Wed, 31 Oct 2012 02:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569692 Crowd-funded education?!?! Bu.. bu.. but SOCIALISM!!! Crowd-funded education?!?! Bu.. bu.. but SOCIALISM!!!

]]> By: oasisob1 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569689 oasisob1 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 02:41:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569689 Are any of the above comments real? Are any of the above comments real?

]]> By: Kevin Sweeney http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569677 Kevin Sweeney Wed, 31 Oct 2012 02:24:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569677 I continually try to -Like- your many fine articles but when I do the dialog balloon is overlain by the margin of the article obscuring most of the dialog including the buttons to continue or cancel. I use Chrome on a PC I continually try to -Like- your many fine articles but when I do the dialog balloon is overlain by the margin of the article obscuring most of the dialog including the buttons to continue or cancel. I use Chrome on a PC

]]> By: oasisob1 http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569652 oasisob1 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 02:00:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569652 The need to be accredited. They intend to apply, and I hope they are successful. The need to be accredited. They intend to apply, and I hope they are successful.

]]> By: Nicky G http://boingboing.net/2012/10/30/university-of-the-people-free.html#comment-1569643 Nicky G Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:42:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=190812#comment-1569643 I've been waiting for efforts such as this to take shape. I hope it's the first of what turn out to be many such endeavors. It's always struck me that a high-quality online higher education should be possible at very low cost, and that societal benefits will be significant and very far-reaching. Maybe crowd-funding could be a good model for supporting these types of organizations? I’ve been waiting for efforts such as this to take shape. I hope it’s the first of what turn out to be many such endeavors. It’s always struck me that a high-quality online higher education should be possible at very low cost, and that societal benefits will be significant and very far-reaching. Maybe crowd-funding could be a good model for supporting these types of organizations?

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