This is almost unheard of, a free education from the major universities in this country and around the world. If you are interested in taking a course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale, Tufts University, or from selected universities in over 20 countries then the OpenCourseWare program is for you.
These universities have made courses they teach on their campuses available for free through the distance learning programs offered by OpenCourseWare.
In fact, MIT has made over 1800 courses from over 30 of their departments available. The major requirement for university participation is to offer a minimum of 10 free courses. Both graduate and undergraduate courses are offered.
Advantages of Continuing Education
What are the continuing education advantages for someone who enrolls in a course? The student receives:
- Free and open distance learning courses using digitally produced high quality education materials over the Internet.
- Access to free online videos, online audio, online textbooks, online readings, and other materials which support the course.
- Some courses may recommend textbooks for purchase to supplement the free course materials.
- Materials in the study are provided an open license agreement with the university offering the course.
- No contact with the professor teaching the course.
- No certification or grade is typically offered for completing a course.
This is a great opportunity for lifelong learners who want to continually learn something new. They can enroll any course in which interested in completing. Other advantages include:
- Taking a course presented by a leading educational professional regarding business strategies and techniques.
- Learning about the History of Western Thought 500 -1300, as an example.
- Learning how to write essays in course offered by well known professor in the field.
- Learning about music from different countries.
- Learning how to write plays in workshop for playwrights’.
Universities Offering the Free Courses
Two questions which immediately come to mind are: Why? How can they do it for free?
The answer to the first question is basic advertisement for the university. They offer free courses to give prospective students a sample of the type of education available at their university. The university also continues to be known or builds a reputation as a leader in the field the courses are offered
Professors, who teach the courses and provide materials for free, become well known or continue to build their professional reputation. Those who have built a reputation are using this as a venue to share their knowledge with those who can attend their university.
The answer to the second question is there courses are supported through donations and endowments.
Enrolling in Free Courses
Enrollment is easy; there is no enrollment. This is possible because no credit or grade is offered to those complete the course. You just simply start completing the course requirements anytime you want and at your own pace.
Also, anyone taking the free course does not need to meet any prerequisite for a course, such as completing specified courses in advance or being a junior or senior.
For anyone considering taking these free courses from some of the major universities in the country and world, visit Benefits of Adult Education: Its Never Too Late and College: Baby Boomers Going Back to School . These resources will provide additional information for lifelong learners and those who desire to expand their knowledge.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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