Khan/Koller Review

          The Khan Academy is definitely something I envision myself using. I actually wish I would have known about it a long time ago. It definitely would have helped me in some of my previous math classes. Science is another subject I struggle with, so I plan on using it next semester in my Human Biology class if I get stuck on a particular topic. I'm not certain that I would encourage my students to use the Khan Academy because I plan on teaching elementary students. Although the site offers help with elementary-level math, it seems he has a 'more advanced' way of explaining things and sometimes multiple explanations can confuse young students. Although I wouldn't necessarily say the videos are 'complicated', I would say that some require a lot a concentration and reviewing to 'grasp'. I believe Salman Khan is right when he says in the future we will rely more on credentialing through the use of online courses. I think this style of education makes learning more accessible for more students because it affords those who may not have the money or ability to go to ivy league schools the same opportunities as those who do.

          Coursera has so many intriguing course offerings. It was very easy for me to get lost in time on the site. Of all the subjects offered, I was most interested in the Education courses - for obvious reasons. There were many courses in this subject area that I found interesting, but the one that stuck out the most was First Year Teaching (Elementary Grades) - Success from the Start. I am strongly considering taking courses from Coursera to improve my knowledge and skills. Columbus State does not currently accept Coursera transfer credits. Columbus State only accepts credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Coursera offers certificates after completion of courses, but not actual college credits. Coursera courses appear to be more interesting than those I've experienced before because there is such a greater variety, and there are courses offered that I otherwise would not have the opportunity to take. Coursera courses don't appear to be more challenging than any other online course. I do, however, find online courses to be more difficult than traditional courses in general. This is due to the lack of face-to-face instructor feedback and assistance, and also to the increased discipline they require. My opinion has very little to do with who is teaching the Coursera courses because, although they are deemed 'the best professors', the online disinhibition effect makes that less intimidating. I definitely think that MOOCs are the wave of the future. The most obvious way they would change the way a student received their education is that they provide the education for free. They also 'level the educational playing field' by providing the same access to education to everyone around the world.