The University of Minnesota might soon delve into the world of MOOCs. Read my story about the massive open online courses here.
U Prof. Christopher Cramer, in his half-time administrative role, put out a call for MOOC proposals last month, which is posted below. His frequently-asked questions and responses touch on many of the tricky questions around MOOCs. It's worth reading.
On Twitter, Cramer describes himself as a "MOOC-skeptic" -- "and by that I mean that I do not think that the walls of our institutions should be torn down and the loose bricks sold to buy server farms now that MOOCs have arrived to lift us from the dark ages of higher education."
But done right, he continues, the courses could “enhance the research, teaching, and public engagement missions of the University.
“We should be at the forefront of figuring out those design principles because we care about advancing those missions.”
Read more below:
Campus Confidential scours student unions, lecture halls and dorms for the crucial and quirky stories that make colleges and universities special. Share what you’re up to on a Friday night, learning (or not) in that lecture - and what you're looking for in a school search as a new student. Higher education reporter Maura Lerner will keep you informed.
U of M student newspaper to cut back print edition to 2 days a week
St. Catherine University president to head Alverno College
Minnesota students studying abroad had a safe year, new report says
U alumni association tries to calm outrage after student group's 9/11 vote
StarTribune.com welcomes and encourages readers to comment and engage in substantive, mutually respectful exchanges over news topics. Commenters must follow our Terms of Use.
Comments will be reviewed before being published.