Over the past couple of decades, many colleges, companies, and organizations have begun offering MOOCs as a potential option for upleveling existing skills and understanding or exploring new topics.
So what is a MOOC? How is it different from a traditional college course? Can a MOOC really help you reach your goals?
Glad you’re here: This guide answers all of those questions and more. It also breaks down the pros and cons of MOOCs and shares additional places you can look for free, online, college-level courses.
Should you take a MOOC or three? You’ll know by the end of this guide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)What is a MOOC?
“MOOC” stands for Massive Open Online Course—essentially, a MOOC is an online course that’s open to anyone and available on the internet. Many MOOCs are free or low-cost, but they can also offer paid options for certifications or additional features.
You might consider taking a MOOC if you’re:
Curious about a topic before committing to a full degree program.
Hoping to access high-quality education without the cost of traditional college.
Looking to learn a new skill or subject.
Wanting to explore a potential career change.
Seeking to advance in your current career with additional qualifications.
Interested in learning at your own pace and on your own schedule.
A high school student aiming to strengthen your college applications by showcasing your ability to tackle college-level coursework.
A brief history of MOOCs—Massive Open Online Courses
The term MOOC was coined in 2008 when educators Stephen Downes and George Siemens created an online course called Connectivism and Connectivity Knowledge.
That course—with only 25 in-person students at the University of Manitoba but 2,300 online participants—highlighted the potential of using online tools to enhance learning through global interaction.
In 2011, MOOCs gained more significant attention when Stanford University offered three free online courses, including "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence" by Peter Norvig and Sebastian Thrun. With over 160,000 enrollments, their course demonstrated the power of MOOCs to reach massive audiences.
And during the COVID pandemic, demand spiked for online courses, leading to both growth in numbers and an increase (in general) in quality.
Today, MOOCs are widely used by millions of learners worldwide, offering courses across a broad range of subjects from well known universities and institutions.
Who offers MOOCs?
The success of online courses and e-learning has led to the creation of several major MOOC platforms. Some of the most popular MOOC platforms include:
Coursera—Partners with universities and organizations to offer courses across various subjects.
edX—A nonprofit platform founded by MIT and Harvard, offering a wide range of free and paid courses.
Udacity—Focuses on tech and vocational courses, offering "Nanodegree" programs.
Khan Academy—Provides free courses primarily for K-12 education, but also covers some college-level topics.
Udemy—An open platform where instructors create and sell courses on a variety of subjects.
These platforms offer a variety of courses, from professional certifications to personal development.
How do MOOCs work?
Once you sign up for a MOOC, you’re ready to start learning at your own pace. But what should you expect from the course? Is it similar to a traditional classroom experience?
Most MOOCs are self-paced and flexible, allowing you to complete lessons and assignments on your schedule.
MOOCs are also designed to be interactive, often featuring
video lectures
quizzes
and discussion forums to engage learners.
Some courses also include peer reviews or group projects to enhance collaboration.
Example MOOC course structure
A typical MOOC is divided into modules or weekly sections, each focusing on a specific topic.
You’ll usually start with a video lecture, often accompanied by slides or reading materials. After the lecture, there might be quizzes or short assignments to test your understanding.
Some MOOCs include discussion forums where you can interact with other learners and instructors. At the end of the course, you might need to complete a final project or exam.
Depending on the course, you can earn a certificate by successfully completing all requirements. You can add the certificate to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Should I take a MOOC? (Here’s how to decide)
Here are seven questions to ask yourself to determine if you should take a MOOC or consider an alternative way to enhance your education.
1. What is my primary goal for taking this course?
Understanding your goal—whether it’s gaining a new skill, exploring a subject, or earning a certificate—can help you choose a MOOC that aligns with your objectives.
2. How much time can I realistically commit?
MOOCs vary in length and intensity. Assessing your available time will help you select a course that fits your schedule and ensures you can complete it.
3. What do reviews and ratings say about the course?
Checking reviews from previous students can provide insights into the course quality, instructor effectiveness, and overall experience, helping you avoid courses that might not meet your expectations.
4. Is the course level appropriate for my knowledge and skills?
MOOCs range from beginner to advanced levels. Choosing a course that matches your current level will ensure the content is neither too basic nor too challenging.
5. Are there any prerequisites required for the course?
Some MOOCs require prior knowledge or skills. Knowing these prerequisites helps you determine if you’re prepared for the course content or if additional study is needed.
6. What is the course format, and does it fit my learning style?
MOOCs can include video lectures, reading materials, and interactive components. Choosing a course with a format that suits your learning preferences can enhance your engagement and success.
7 . How does the cost of the MOOC compare to other educational options?
While most MOOCs are free, some offer paid certificates or additional features. Compare this with the cost of traditional classes, workshops, or other learning methods to see which offers the best value.
8. What are the potential educational or career benefits of completing this MOOC versus other options?
Research how completing a MOOC or an alternative might impact your path forward. Some certifications from accredited institutions might hold more weight in certain industries.
How do I find MOOCs?
Finding the right MOOC is easier than you might think. There are many platforms out there offering courses on just about every topic. Start by visiting popular MOOC platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity. These sites have search features that let you explore courses by subject, level, and even the university offering them.
If you’re not sure where to start, try using a course database like Class Central. It’s a search engine specifically for online courses, including MOOCs from various platforms. You can filter by free courses, start date, and more..
Are all MOOCs free?
Not all MOOCs are free, but many are. Most platforms offer free access to course materials, including video lectures, readings, and quizzes. This is great if you’re looking to learn without spending money.
However, as mentioned above, some courses have fees if you want extras. For example, you might need to pay if you want a certificate to show you’ve completed the course.
Some platforms also offer “premium” versions of courses. These might include additional resources, graded assignments, or even access to instructors. These options usually come with a fee.
It’s a good idea to check the course details before you sign up so you know exactly what’s free and what isn’t.
MOOC Courses with certificates
Many MOOCs offer certificates upon completion. These certificates can be a great way to showcase your new skills or knowledge, especially on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
But how much do these certificates actually matter? It depends.
In some fields, a certificate from a well-known institution like Harvard or MIT, via a platform like edX, can carry weight. It shows you’ve put in the effort to learn something new.
However, not all certificates are equally valued. Some employers will prioritize experience or traditional degrees over online course certificates. Still, if you’re looking to boost your skills, switch careers, or even just learn something new, a certificate can be a nice bonus.
What about for college admissions?
If you’re a high school student, you may be considering MOOCs because you’ve heard that taking college-level courses can impress admissions officers. Is this true?
In some cases, yes. MOOCs can show initiative and a willingness to challenge yourself, which can be appealing to colleges. However, it’s important to choose courses relevant to your academic interests and goals—be sure the course helps a reader to see the arc of development for your overall application (but we’d also recommend just exploring your curiosity—you don’t need to make everything about how it impacts college admissions).
It’s also important to note that not all colleges give the same weight to MOOC certificates. Some may view them as a nice addition, while others may focus more on your grades, extracurricular activities, standardized test scores, application essays, and recommendation letters.
Pros and Cons of MOOCs
MOOCs offer incredible opportunities for learning, but they’re not perfect. Weigh the pros and cons to see if they’re the right fit for you.
Pros
Flexibility. One of the biggest advantages of MOOCs is flexibility. You can learn at your own pace, fitting your studies around your schedule. Whether you’re working full-time or balancing other commitments, MOOCs let you learn when it suits you.
Variety. MOOCs cover a wide range of topics. From computer programming to poetry, you’ll find courses on just about anything. This variety makes it easy to explore new interests or deepen your knowledge in a specific field.
Accessibility. Most MOOCs are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This opens up educational opportunities to people worldwide, regardless of location or financial situation.
Affordability. Many MOOCs are free or low-cost. Even paid courses are often much cheaper than traditional education.
Cons
Lack of personal interaction. MOOCs typically lack the personal interaction you’d get in a traditional classroom. This can make it harder to get feedback or stay motivated.
Completion rates. Many people start MOOCs but never finish them. Without the structure of a traditional course, it can be easy to lose momentum.
Variable quality. The quality of MOOCs can vary. Some are excellent, while others might not meet your expectations. So, it’s important to research courses before committing.
Other free university courses online
MOOC platforms aren’t the only way to access free college-level education online. Many top universities offer free courses directly through their own platforms. Here are some great options to explore.
Stanford Online
Stanford University provides a wide range of free courses through Stanford Online. You can learn about topics like artificial intelligence, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. These courses are designed by Stanford professors and offer a high-quality learning experience.
MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT’s OpenCourseWare is one of the most well-known sources for free university courses. It offers over 2,400 courses, covering almost every subject you can imagine. You can access lecture notes, assignments, and exams from real MIT classes, all for free.
Harvard Online Learning
Harvard University also offers free courses through its Harvard Online Learning platform. You can find courses in areas like computer science, humanities, and business. These courses are an excellent way to experience Harvard’s world-class education without leaving your home.
OpenLearn by The Open University
The Open University’s OpenLearn platform provides free courses on a variety of topics. It’s a great resource if you’re looking to develop new skills or explore a subject out of curiosity. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels.
Final thoughts
Signing up for a MOOC can be a great way to learn something new or boost your skills. But it’s important to consider whether a MOOC is the best fit for your learning style and goals.
Still, given that most MOOCs are free, there’s no harm in giving one a try. Who knows? You may even discover a new passion or career path.
Are you a high school student considering a MOOC as a way to enhance your college resume? If so, consider checking out this guide next: How to Write a College Resume (+ Example Templates).
Special thanks to Ameer for writing this blog post
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
