Saturday, June 1, 2013

For true learners that crave for retention exercises while studying, Coursera is the place!

Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/courses) has almost become my marketplace of choice for testing my interests in areas alien to me. The difference between Coursera and a passive medium like iTunes University is that the courses are interactive. You are asked to submit home works and can evaluate the home works of other fellow students. I really like the frequent feedback that they provide, which helps you to monitor your own progress, and know when you've really mastered the material.Coursera offers courses in a wide range of topics: From topics that appeal to people who want a better society such as Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine;  to topics for the mathematically inclined folks in areas such as Biology, Mathematics, Business, and Computer Science. The courses are free and in some cases they come with an ability to donate to pay for the environment. The courses are offered by faculty at world class universities making it a truly immersive environment. Try before you buy never has been better. For some courses, you can even earn a certificate should you satisfactorily complete the coursework. Great site. My favorite. Enjoy!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

iTunes University - A true gift of knowledge

With 16 categories from Art & Architecture to Teaching & Learning, iTunes University is packed with free audio visual courses for almost everyone. This is an excellent way of trying out your interest areas before committing yourself to that expensive bachelor's or graduate degree. Several top ranked universities from around the world have posted their courses and I find them a great resource for people that cannot afford increasingly expensive University education or looking to figure their next calling in life. Further, TED videos on specific topics are also available. Interestingly enough, some courses are also available in Chinese, Spanish, French, German, and Italian - making this a truly global endeavor. Some courses are audio only but that does not take away the sheer insights coming from some top ranked and award winning educators. The iTunes University rests within your iTunes program on your iPAD or iMAC or any PC with iTunes in it, and is a rewarding way to put these machines to use. Perhaps you will be the next jeopardy winner and you didn't even have to go to school.