After finishing the first AI class taught by Sebastian Thrun; I was convinced the world was unto something very unique and special - I called him the Norman Borlaug of this century. This week Georgia Tech announced their online MS in computer science and Sebastian was euphoric:
"There are a few moments in my life I will never forget. Like the moment I proposed to my wife, Petra. Or the moment Stanley crossed the finish line in the DARPA Grand Challenge. Today is one of those moments."
No question MOOC will have a huge impact. But I am not convinced that they would replace college because of one single reason - not everyone who teaches these online classes have the zeal and charisma of teaching that comes naturally to Sebastian and the folks at Udacity. To be blunt, the list of classes at Coursera are mind boggling but the classes themselves doesn't capture the student's attention. If spreading education to the masses is the goal then they have already succeeded. But if the goal is to make knowledge and learning a contagion then they haven't even scratched the surface. I wish they learn a thing or two from Salman Khan who mesmerizes his students with just a black screen.
To be fair most of these professors are brilliant introverts sans the global charisma. So why can't they take the directors seat and let the others with gusto have the screen presence? Have they heard of animation and sound effects? Well, if the noble goal of online education is learning then probably they should be open enough to get innovative and adapt from say hollywood and advertisement agencies.
Yes, there will always be smart students all over the world who will learn for joy of learning but to attract those marginal students, one has to advertise that joy of learning. Online eduction has an huge opportunity and obligation to do that. Is it too much to ask for if I expect Georgia Tech MS to be similar to programming a driverless car class ?
The noblest pleasure, the joy of understanding.
- Leonardo Da Vinci
"There are a few moments in my life I will never forget. Like the moment I proposed to my wife, Petra. Or the moment Stanley crossed the finish line in the DARPA Grand Challenge. Today is one of those moments."
No question MOOC will have a huge impact. But I am not convinced that they would replace college because of one single reason - not everyone who teaches these online classes have the zeal and charisma of teaching that comes naturally to Sebastian and the folks at Udacity. To be blunt, the list of classes at Coursera are mind boggling but the classes themselves doesn't capture the student's attention. If spreading education to the masses is the goal then they have already succeeded. But if the goal is to make knowledge and learning a contagion then they haven't even scratched the surface. I wish they learn a thing or two from Salman Khan who mesmerizes his students with just a black screen.
To be fair most of these professors are brilliant introverts sans the global charisma. So why can't they take the directors seat and let the others with gusto have the screen presence? Have they heard of animation and sound effects? Well, if the noble goal of online education is learning then probably they should be open enough to get innovative and adapt from say hollywood and advertisement agencies.
Yes, there will always be smart students all over the world who will learn for joy of learning but to attract those marginal students, one has to advertise that joy of learning. Online eduction has an huge opportunity and obligation to do that. Is it too much to ask for if I expect Georgia Tech MS to be similar to programming a driverless car class ?
The noblest pleasure, the joy of understanding.
- Leonardo Da Vinci
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