It’s no secret that education is becoming more and more expensive. With the cost of traditional colleges and universities rising every year, more and more people are looking for cheaper and alternative ways to get an education. That’s where MOOCs and MOOC providers come in.
What Is Exactly a MOOC?
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are online courses offered by some of the best colleges and universities in the world that anyone with an internet connection can take for free. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best MOOC providers out there.
Massive Open Online Free Courses
MOOCs provide an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to gain new skills or learn about a new subject. They also offer a great way for people who want to gain access to top universities and courses that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
One of the best things about MOOCs is that they are usually taught by professors from the university offering the course. This means that you’ll be getting the same quality of education that you would if you were paying for a traditional college or university course.
What is Unique About Free Online Courses?
One of the unique things about free online courses is that they are typically offered by universities and other accredited institutions. This ensures that the courses meet a certain level of quality, which is important for students looking to gain new skills or knowledge. Additionally, many of these courses are available in multiple languages, making them a great option for students around the world.
Some of the unique features of MOOCs include the following:
- Offered by universities and other accredited institutions, ensuring a certain level of quality.
- Available in multiple languages, making them a great option for students around the world.
- Typically offer a variety of courses, so students can find one that meets their needs.
- Students can often complete MOOCs at their own pace, making them a flexible option for busy adults.
- Many MOOCs are free or have a low cost, making them an affordable option for students.
The Popular Subjects of MOOCs
According to recent studies, the most popular subjects of online courses are business, computer science, engineering, health & medicine, and humanities.
Computer Science
- Cloud Computing
- Software Development
- Programming Languages
- Mobile & Web Development
Data Science
- Machine Learning
- AI & Deep Learning
Information Technologies
- Cyber Security
Business
- Marketing
- Management
Arts & Humanities
- Visual Arts
- Graphic Design
- History
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- Chinese
Social Sciences
- Economics
- Law
- Psychology
What Are MOOC Platforms / Providers?
MOOC platforms are websites or software that allow educators to create and deliver courses online. MOOC providers are companies that create and operate these platforms. Some of the most well-known providers are Coursera, edX, and Udacity.
Benefits
- Improving access to higher education
- Providing an affordable alternative to formal education
- Sustainable development goals
- Offers a flexible learning schedule
- Online collaboration
How to Choose a MOOC Provider?
When choosing a MOOC provider, it is important to consider the quality and variety of courses offered, as well as the platform’s ease of use. Additionally, it is important to check if the provider is accredited.
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a MOOC provider:
- Quality and variety of courses offered: Make sure to check out the courses offered by the provider to see if they fit your needs. It is also important to check the quality of the courses, as some providers may offer lower-quality courses.
- Ease of use: The platform should be easy to use and navigate. It should also offer features that make learning easier, such as course notes, discussion forums, and quizzes.
- Accreditation: Make sure to check if the provider is accredited. This will ensure that the courses you take are of high quality and recognized by universities and employers.
With these factors in mind, you should be able to choose a MOOC provider that fits your needs.
Top 3 Biggest MOOC Platforms
Coursera
Pros:
- Massive MOOCs Catalog
Offers a variety of courses, making it a great option for students with diverse interests.
- Easy to Use
The platform is easy to use and navigate, making it a great option for students who want a flexible learning schedule.
- High-Quality Content
The courses offered by Coursera are of high quality and are recognized by universities and employers.
Cons:
- Some courses may be expensive, making it a less affordable option for some students.
Bottom Line:
There are a growing number of MOOC providers platforms, which offer online courses to students all over the world. While each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, Coursera is one of the most popular and well-respected providers.
Read our complete guide here.
edX
edX is one of the best MOOC providers in the world. It offers courses from some of the most prestigious universities and organizations in the world, including Harvard, MIT, Microsoft, The Smithsonian Institution, and more. All of the courses on edX are completely free to take, and many of them offer certification upon completion.
Pros:
- Many prestigious universities and organizations offer courses through edX.
- All courses on edX are free to take.
- Many courses offer certification upon completion.
Cons:
- Not all courses are available at all times.
- Some courses may be too difficult for beginners.
- Certification may not be available for all courses.
Bottom Line:
EdX is a great online learning platform that offers courses from some of the most prestigious universities and organizations in the world. All of the courses on edX are free to take, and many of them offer certification upon completion. However, not all courses are available at all times, and some courses may be too difficult for beginners. Certification may not be available for all courses.
Udacity
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line:
All Other Online Course Providers
30 More Online Courses Providers
FutureLearn
Udemy
LinkedIn Learning (ex. Lynda)
Kadenze
Skillshare
PluralSight
AWS Skill Builder
Swayam
Domestika
CreativeLive
Microsoft Learn
Canvas Network
DataCamp
Independent
TreeHouse
Trailhead
CodeCademy
Edureka
NovoED
EMMA
OpenLearning
Stepik
Desire2Learn
EduOpen
MIT OpenCourseWare
Additional Resources
FAQ: MOOC Programs, Online Courses Types
What is a MOOC provider?
A MOOC provider, or Massive Open Online Course provider, is an online education provider that offers massive open online courses.
What are the major MOOC providers?
Coursera, edX, Udacity, ALISON, and Canvas are the major MOOC providers.
What are the best MOOC platforms?
There are many platforms for MOOCs, but the most popular are Coursera, edX, and Udacity. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Coursera is the largest provider of MOOCs and offers a wide variety of courses in many different subjects.
What was the first MOOC platform?
The first MOOC platform was called D2L. It was created by a company called Desire2Learn in 2001.
How can MOOC help students?
MOOC can help students in a lot of ways. First, it can help them learn new skills and knowledge. Second, it can help them connect with other students from around the world. Third, it can help them improve their academic performance. Fourth, it can help them find a job or career they are interested in. Finally, it can help them save money on their education.
Will MOOCs Replace Universities?
MOOCs have potential to replace universities, but there are some barriers that need to be overcome. First, the quality of MOOCs needs to be improved so that employers and graduate schools will take them seriously.
Second, financial aid and other support services need to be available for MOOC students. And finally, the culture of higher education needs to change so that MOOCs are seen as a viable alternative to traditional universities.
Do Online Courses Help with Getting a Job?
Online classes can help with career development, as well as can be a valuable addition to your resume and can help you get a job, but they are not a substitute for a degree.
Employers usually prefer candidates with degrees, but they may be willing to consider candidates who have taken online courses. However, online courses will not guarantee you a job, and they will not replace the need for a degree. If you want to increase your chances of getting a job, it is best to get a degree from an accredited university.
What Online Courses Are in Demand?
There are many online courses that are in demand. The most popular courses vary depending on the country, but some of the most common ones include business, computer science, math, and engineering courses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right MOOC provider can be overwhelming. How do you know which one is best for you with so many providers to choose from? This article outlines the top 5 biggest MOOC platforms and some of the other online learning platforms available. We’ve also included a glossary of terms and an FAQ section to help you get started.