Mooc: Revolution or Evolution

MOOC

Revolution or Evolution

By

Anand Raghu

MOOC, Massive online open course is considered by some as a revolution and by others an evolution at many levels in a rather conservative society, education. To better explain the growth of MOOC and its penetration in this generation, let’s take a step back and look back at education and the society of scholars.

Education is system of methodological and organized study. The Idea is to bring knowledge in a tailored and focused form to all ages and levels of challenges. The goal is to let an individual follow a course and tailor their skill to face the challenges of the society of any given generation. So why education with such a novel goal is has caused MOOC to rise. As with every great challenge come several shortcomings. Let’s look at the limitations of such few.

As with any formal body come rules that safeguard and promote system of education. And, so comes along reputation and economic factors as well. Enter public and private institutions which capitalize the system as way to turn education into a commodity and a premium way of life.

Schools and Universities have evolved into powerful institutions which can shape the future of a generation. If not careful, one can call it propaganda. Sometimes it blurs the line with politics as well. This is because of economics at every level. It takes huge effort and cost to run institutions and paybacks are more if there is reputation added in the mix. This brings in another level of challenge for the individual pursuing knowledge. At one end is the recognition the individual would get in the society and at the other end the despair on not getting the opportunity to be the reputable scholar. Even more than that is the cost of education. The current cost of education exceeds astronomical numbers and it takes an individual half their life in paying of their education costs. So what gives? Should the individual quit studying, probably that’s one of the answers on why in...