Ohmygoodness!!!! If you have not checked out Coursera, you are missing out! This is a great tool for your own professional development, for use in the classroom, and for you to bring to the attention of your family and friends!
What is Coursera? It is a website and an app (both Android & Apple) that allow you to access MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) from universities and colleges all over the world. The courses are free. However, you can have your course signature verified for a fee and receive an official certificate of completion. If you are a teacher in the US, you can get your courses verified for FREE. Check out this page for more information.
I am currently taking an AMAZING course, Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills from the University of Melbourne. The course is just starting, so you still have time to join. Do it. You won't regret it.
How could this be used in the classroom? There are many ways. You can register for a course so you have access to the course materials to support your subject. You can also use it for advanced students by allowing them to take the courses on their own when they have completed classwork. It is a great way to allow them to advance their learning while learning how to use online learning tools in a "no risk" environment. If they fail or find out that they don't have the technical skills needed, they have lost no money and it does not affect a college GPA. This really is a no lose situation for teachers and their students.
The verified certificates of completion truly are a good idea. More and more employers are becoming more interested in your actual skills and abilities and less impressed by a college degree. The verified certificates can be linked to LinkedIn accounts and shared with potential employers. As we move to a work place environment that is more focused on skills and characteristics than on job titles and degrees, those who learn to leverage this amazing tool will be at the forefront of the change and be the most likely to be successful in finding new careers.
So, checkout Coursera. You won't regret it.
