Today I want to share with you a great web site that allows people to listen to free university lectures from some of the best universities in the world. There are many universities that offer "free courses" but I liked this web site because it was easy to navigate. Listening to lectures is not for everybody but it does offer an opportunity for people to gain knowledge. In the title of this blog I did not say "free university courses" because you cannot get credit for most of the free courses. What you are gaining is knowledge...and shouldn't that be what education is all about? I remember when a history professor at Penn State told the class that the early universities where basically a collection of students gathered to listen to an expert on a subject the students were interested in learning more about. There was no credit given or degrees conferred. This to me is the pure meaning of education; people gathering to learn more about a subject or topic that they find interesting or helpful to their lives. If you frame these free online courses in this way then you will see what a boon it is for people to be able to access world-renowned scholars in areas of intellectual thought that interests you. (I have been listening to the Justice class by Michael Sandel from Harvard University and I highly recommend it.)
I guess the question about the worth of these free courses boils down to a your definition of education. If one is to believe that education is for learning and personal growth you will view the value of these courses in a certain way. If one believes that credentials, diplomas and grades are important, then you may view these courses in another way. No matter which way you may think, I strongly urge you to try a free "course" out in the web. At the very least you may learn something!
Thank you for the information...keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteDr. Butler, I am a bit confused by your lack of response(s). You openly stated you were willing to discuss concerns that I have with the district. I thought my suggestion of keeping it in this open forum is the best choice, and more than fair, as it is a matter of public concern and the public deserves a right to some answers. You continue to update your blogs, yet are refusing to address these issues. After all, you did post how much you value integrity and facing "the man in the mirror" - there seems to be a misrepresentation? I look forward to a response.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the countless arguments of people about online schools, many people have tried it and proved that it was really effective. Today, there are many sites in the web that provides opportunities for people to try online education.
ReplyDeletehow to go to college free