Adult learning and MOOC's.

[bluejay]

Hi!  I was wondering what other parents here think about online education as an aid to adult learning.  Do you think MOOC sites like Coursera and eDX are any good?  How do you find time to study and homeschool the kids at the same time?

 

Also, do you recommend "The Well-Educated Mind" for adult learners who want to enhance their own education in the classical tradition?  What other books would you recommend?

[regentrude]

They can have a place, if that is your learning style. I personally find that I learn more efficiently from books. I use audio lectures form the GC for self education because I can listen to them while driving. I do not want to spend the time sitting in front of a computer watching video lectures.

[friscomom]

I have taken several Coursera and edX classes over the past year or so and have really enjoyed them. I don't homeschool, but I do work full time and afterschool my 4th grader and preschooler.

I generally give myself some time after the kids are in bed and over the weekend to go through the course material.

[Tiberia]

I have enjoyed some of the FutureLearn courses online. I prefer their format over the Coursera format. I do the classes on my iPad at bedtime, when the house is quiet. The classes are usually a mix of video clips and readings/activities. When driving or cooking, I like to stream Great Courses audio classes.

[merylvdm]

I have taken a number of Coursera ones in eLearning and Python programming. I really enjoyed them. I have signed up for some that you can do at your own pace - and those  I never get round to but I have completed a number now where I had to go at the speed of the class. It is hard to find time - so I usually have to do them in summer and fall before life gets too busy.

[bluejay]

I have taken several Coursera and edX classes over the past year or so and have really enjoyed them. I don't homeschool, but I do work full time and afterschool my 4th grader and preschooler.

I generally give myself some time after the kids are in bed and over the weekend to go through the course material.

 

Thanks.  I like Coursera better than edX.  I think the format is better.  But I like how edX archives courses and keeps them available year-round. 

[bluejay]

I have enjoyed some of the FutureLearn courses online. I prefer their format over the Coursera format. I do the classes on my iPad at bedtime, when the house is quiet. The classes are usually a mix of video clips and readings/activities. When driving or cooking, I like to stream Great Courses audio classes.

 

I've never heard of FutureLearn. Thanks for that.  Is Saylor.org any good?  There's so many MOOC sites but I think Coursera has the largest selection.  Udemy is big too but I don't want to pay for every course I want to take.  A flat monthly fee, maybe, if there's a lot of them I like. 

 

I get Lynda free through the community library.  That's a big plus. 

[bluejay]

I have taken a number of Coursera ones in eLearning and Python programming. I really enjoyed them. I have signed up for some that you can do at your own pace - and those  I never get round to but I have completed a number now where I had to go at the speed of the class. It is hard to find time - so I usually have to do them in summer and fall before life gets too busy.

 

Isn't there a MOOC site just for programmers?  I think it's called Treehouse or something like that.  Bu tit's paid.

 

[bluejay]

They can have a place, if that is your learning style. I personally find that I learn more efficiently from books. I use audio lectures form the GC for self education because I can listen to them while driving. I do not want to spend the time sitting in front of a computer watching video lectures.

 

I like books better too.  But online sites have videos, quizzes, certificates, etc.  Plus you can keep track of your completed courses.  I think the certificates are useless though.  I doubt employers put much weight on that.  Maybe in the future that will change.