MOOCs are perfect for Lifelong Learners who enjoy learning online!
I was skeptical at first, but the more I investigate Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), the more convinced I am that this is the way for me to go for lifetime learning!
I have experience both as an instructor and as a student in for-credit online courses, so I thought I knew what to expect. I was really surprised, however, at how some of the new “bells and whistles” made a difference in how engaged I was in listening to the lectures and participating in the course.
I took my first MOOC last summer (Thanks, @rayschroeder !) and learned that a huge number of students from around the world could self-organize into discussion groups according to languages, locations, interests, learning goals, etc.
Recently I completed the #Google Power Searching MOOC. Did you know that you can drop an image into a Google search of images and have it identified? Now I do – and a whole lot more!
After hearing that UVa will offer Coursera courses starting in spring 2013, I decided to check out that platform. I have signed up for Know Thyself by UVa Philosophy Professor Mitch Green – More to come on that intriguing course!
For some “brain training” before Know Thyself begins, I am now taking Principles of Obesity Economics by Kevin Frick from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. I taught a biochemical nutrition course for a number of years, but the economics vocabulary and concepts are entirely new to me. Lots of mental calisthenics – I can feel my brain expanding already!
