Got a Computer? Get a Degree.
Last week, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced a new nonprofit partnership to offer free online courses. Those who complete the course will get a certificate of mastery and a grade, but no official credit. Should Harvard and M.I.T. offer credit for these courses and even allow students to obtain their degrees online? Indeed, doesn¡¯t it make more sense for elite colleges and universities to do this?
Harvard¿Í M.I.T.´Â ¿Â¶óÀÎ °Á¿¡ ÇÐÁ¡À» Á¦°øÇÏ°í ½ÉÁö¾î Çлýµé·Î ÇÏ¿©±Ý ¿Â¶óÀÎÀ» ÅëÇØ ÇÐÀ§¸¦
¾òÀ» ¼ö ÀÖ°Ô ÇØ¾ß Çϳª¿ä?
1) The Promise of Lower Costs
These efforts present the possibility of sidestepping dysfunctional student aid programs and barriers to entry.
2) Enhancement, Not Replacement
These courses are not a substitute for in-person classes, and students completing them should not receive credit toward a degree.
3) A Way to Reach Minorities
Online higher education can lower racial barriers, and for this reason alone, Harvard and M.I.T. should offer these courses for credit and degrees.
4) More Options Means More Learning
It doesn't have to be just Psych 101. Colleges can teach the history of children's literature, or the Second Punic War.
5) What About the Lab Work?
A certificate would be nice. But how do I know John did all the work, and that it wasn't actually done by Mary?