News E-Learning

The technology connects people, objects and data much more than at any other time in history. You can see the traffic on a map on a smart phone or call a taxi to our exact location using an application, without considering extraordinary.

But in no time the heart stops, where if we see those connections: in a time of crisis.

In the hours of telephone lines collapsed after the bombs in the Boston Marathon, the people search engine Google (Google's People Finder) was a lifeline for relatives and friends concerned. After the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China, one of the key services of assistance units was to provide mobile charging stations. After a natural disaster, the Crisis Response Unit of Google provides to other responding agencies to share alerts Google platforms.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

The technology connects people, objects and data much more than at any other time in history. You can see the traffic on a map on a smart phone or call a taxi to our exact location using an application, without considering extraordinary.

But in no time the heart stops, where if we see those connections: in a time of crisis.

In the hours of telephone lines collapsed after the bombs in the Boston Marathon, the people search engine Google (Google's People Finder) was a lifeline for relatives and friends concerned. After the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China, one of the key services of assistance units was to provide mobile charging stations. After a natural disaster, the Crisis Response Unit of Google provides to other responding agencies to share alerts Google platforms.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

Learning Management Systems (LMS) come in all shapes and sizes. When incorporating an eLearning environment into your workplace, it is important to choose an LMS built as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution.

SaaS can also be referred to as a cloud-based service. This means any device with Internet connection can access the system from any location. The software itself is not hosted on site. Instead, the vendor hosts and maintains the server for you.

A SaaS LMS is designed for independent business use. All eLearning features are customizable so you can bend the software to your needs, making it simple to manage and requiring little administration on your part.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

Learning Management Systems (LMS) come in all shapes and sizes. When incorporating an eLearning environment into your workplace, it is important to choose an LMS built as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution.

SaaS can also be referred to as a cloud-based service. This means any device with Internet connection can access the system from any location. The software itself is not hosted on site. Instead, the vendor hosts and maintains the server for you.

A SaaS LMS is designed for independent business use. All eLearning features are customizable so you can bend the software to your needs, making it simple to manage and requiring little administration on your part.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

A few weeks after the release of version 2.3 of Moodle has begun the testing process to be held in the coming weeks and we Participate in several dozen volunteers worldwide. Once this testing and after the code Appropriate corrections will release the new version, so far only available for evaluation.

In parallel we have also started working on the English translation of the new modules and modified In This new version, so That When finally released, the pack of our language is as late as possible. (as always, left hands for this work)   Peronalmente took a few days analyzing the draft version and I think it is time to take stock of the new features Offered by This new version and share information, to determine whether or not to migrate as soon as possible, If These improvements Represent clear advantages over the current situation each. Here we go.   First, I will comment That administrators now have a button on the Notifications page That Allows you to check for updates Both the main code of Moodle as the extensions. We have a new option in Settings-Site Server to configure some aspects of this utility.   Also some new features Have Been Incorporated in the display of the elements of the courses.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

A few weeks after the release of version 2.3 of Moodle has begun the testing process to be held in the coming weeks and we Participate in several dozen volunteers worldwide. Once this testing and after the code Appropriate corrections will release the new version, so far only available for evaluation.

In parallel we have also started working on the English translation of the new modules and modified In This new version, so That When finally released, the pack of our language is as late as possible. (as always, left hands for this work)   Peronalmente took a few days analyzing the draft version and I think it is time to take stock of the new features Offered by This new version and share information, to determine whether or not to migrate as soon as possible, If These improvements Represent clear advantages over the current situation each. Here we go.   First, I will comment That administrators now have a button on the Notifications page That Allows you to check for updates Both the main code of Moodle as the extensions. We have a new option in Settings-Site Server to configure some aspects of this utility.   Also some new features Have Been Incorporated in the display of the elements of the courses.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

A few weeks after the release of version 2.3 of Moodle has begun the testing process to be held in the coming weeks and we participate in several dozen volunteers worldwide. Once this testing and after the appropriate code corrections will release the new version, so far only available for evaluation.   In parallel we have also started working on the Spanish translation of the new modules and modified in this new version, so that when released finally, the pack of our language is as late as possible. (as always, left hands for this work)   Peronalmente took a few days analyzing the draft version and I think it is time to take stock of the new features offered by this new version and share information, to determine whether or not to migrate as soon as possible, if these improvements represent clear advantages over the situation current each. Here we go.   First, I will comment that administrators now have a button on the Notifications page that allows you to check for updates both the main code of Moodle as the extensions. We have a new option in Settings-Site Server to configure some aspects of this utility.   Also some new features have been incorporated in the display of the elements of the courses.   VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

A few weeks after the release of version 2.3 of Moodle has begun the testing process to be held in the coming weeks and we participate in several dozen volunteers worldwide. Once this testing and after the appropriate code corrections will release the new version, so far only available for evaluation.   In parallel we have also started working on the Spanish translation of the new modules and modified in this new version, so that when released finally, the pack of our language is as late as possible. (as always, left hands for this work)   Peronalmente took a few days analyzing the draft version and I think it is time to take stock of the new features offered by this new version and share information, to determine whether or not to migrate as soon as possible, if these improvements represent clear advantages over the situation current each. Here we go.   First, I will comment that administrators now have a button on the Notifications page that allows you to check for updates both the main code of Moodle as the extensions. We have a new option in Settings-Site Server to configure some aspects of this utility.   Also some new features have been incorporated in the display of the elements of the courses.   VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

1. Achievements of e-learning in 2011:

Definitely a strong adoption of all philosophy 2.0 (Enterprise 2.0) in the digital training world, with new tools, new training initiatives focused on collaboration in the organization structured training. And the first steps (really, finally ...) of Mobile Learning in many large organizations. It has been a year of change and 2012 will continue on the same line. Also, 2011 has strengthened the concept of being "in the cloud" that many e-Learning professionals have become (rightly or not) in a business mantra. Increasingly, e-Learning solutions will be on cloud systems and this must be taken into account (changing the cost structure, risk, security, opportunities, etc.). Finally remark that the rapid learning has taken significant steps forward: next more mature tools like Captivate and Articulate, now there are specialized tools and high quality. In many cases, it is easier to produce content to order it: you can read what he writes Craig Wess eLearning 24/7 about it.

2. Challenges of e-learning for 2012:

We are entering a phase of maturity with regard to the implementation of tools for collaboration and "social networks" in e-learning, and this means that the market scenario change much. Especially since the "big player" being added to its training solutions tools HR management, because until today has been quite interesting that will be used for training solutions that are not integrated with solutions from other areas of the HR and talent management, career planning, skills system, etc.. Increasingly we will see the adoption of technology solutions that address the training but also the full range of HR needs.

3. Outlook e-learning market in 2012:

Definitely a market that is increasingly matured into logical high level quality of services and products. Furthermore, what we are seeing is increasingly tailored solutions because each organization is different, but within a framework of quality that each provider has to offer. An example, not worth to design a technology solution e-Learning "as" if it is not based on a proven product acceptance and quality, which then fits the needs of each organization. It is an intermediate between "as" and "pre-designed". It serves to ensure quality but adaptation.

4. E-learning Innovations 2012:

Together with a higher level of maturity of the instances of social learning, we see strong growth of mobile learning, which in 2011 has finally come out of its "eternal adolescence." We have seen concrete projects and a strong technological and cultural progress both in this regard.

5. Achievements of m-learning in 2011:

First concrete projects in large organizations. Devices like iPad tablets have entered a timid but successful in many companies (Apple has begun selling their devices to companies after many years I tried barely). All this has meant a change in the design of what is e-Learning. The very fact that tackling a new project, all of us to consider: "What about this, how it will work on a mobile device?" proves the relevance mLearning finally acquired in organizations.

6. Forecasts for the m-learning 2012:

We need to expand its use throughout the organization. So far many companies have experimented with public department or individual such as managers or technicians (those who move from one place to another all the time, and they needed this type of training support) but now need to put massive deployments interest and test the effectiveness of these training logical "always on" and "on demand".

7. Forecasts for the video learning 2012:

Increasingly, e-learning is video-based. Avanzo Group, for example, 80% of the content production for companies is based 100% on video. The video is fast-level understanding of the concepts, is very friendly, very effective, can show more than describe. I anticipate that growth in 2012 will be up even higher. Mind you, this does not fit all learning contexts. There are cases in which read (books, papers) is more effective. But for many online training, which requires a very high level of care, the video helps. It is also worth considering that the video has a very high relevance in the mobile, and it is faster a video of 30'' to read a document.

8. Forecasts for Augmented Reality 2012:

Speaks increasingly augmented reality. Why? I think mainly because it is strictly related to mobile learning. Go hand in hand. If I add the functionality of a system as simple as RA as Layar to a mobile device and focused use of the tool for training, I quickly realized that the RA in the context of mobility is more relevant. For example I can create interactive elements in geographic space (in a factory, a plant, a construction site) and these associate training content. Simply desplazándome through space, my mobile device will be the one I report that there are elements to receive training associated with that object or site. Contextualized training and demand. Very effective.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

1. Achievements of e-learning in 2011:

Definitely a strong adoption of all philosophy 2.0 (Enterprise 2.0) in the digital training world, with new tools, new training initiatives focused on collaboration in the organization structured training. And the first steps (really, finally ...) of Mobile Learning in many large organizations. It has been a year of change and 2012 will continue on the same line. Also, 2011 has strengthened the concept of being "in the cloud" that many e-Learning professionals have become (rightly or not) in a business mantra. Increasingly, e-Learning solutions will be on cloud systems and this must be taken into account (changing the cost structure, risk, security, opportunities, etc.). Finally remark that the rapid learning has taken significant steps forward: next more mature tools like Captivate and Articulate, now there are specialized tools and high quality. In many cases, it is easier to produce content to order it: you can read what he writes Craig Wess eLearning 24/7 about it.

2. Challenges of e-learning for 2012:

We are entering a phase of maturity with regard to the implementation of tools for collaboration and "social networks" in e-learning, and this means that the market scenario change much. Especially since the "big player" being added to its training solutions tools HR management, because until today has been quite interesting that will be used for training solutions that are not integrated with solutions from other areas of the HR and talent management, career planning, skills system, etc.. Increasingly we will see the adoption of technology solutions that address the training but also the full range of HR needs.

3. Outlook e-learning market in 2012:

Definitely a market that is increasingly matured into logical high level quality of services and products. Furthermore, what we are seeing is increasingly tailored solutions because each organization is different, but within a framework of quality that each provider has to offer. An example, not worth to design a technology solution e-Learning "as" if it is not based on a proven product acceptance and quality, which then fits the needs of each organization. It is an intermediate between "as" and "pre-designed". It serves to ensure quality but adaptation.

4. E-learning Innovations 2012:

Together with a higher level of maturity of the instances of social learning, we see strong growth of mobile learning, which in 2011 has finally come out of its "eternal adolescence." We have seen concrete projects and a strong technological and cultural progress both in this regard.

5. Achievements of m-learning in 2011:

First concrete projects in large organizations. Devices like iPad tablets have entered a timid but successful in many companies (Apple has begun selling their devices to companies after many years I tried barely). All this has meant a change in the design of what is e-Learning. The very fact that tackling a new project, all of us to consider: "What about this, how it will work on a mobile device?" proves the relevance mLearning finally acquired in organizations.

6. Forecasts for the m-learning 2012:

We need to expand its use throughout the organization. So far many companies have experimented with public department or individual such as managers or technicians (those who move from one place to another all the time, and they needed this type of training support) but now need to put massive deployments interest and test the effectiveness of these training logical "always on" and "on demand".

7. Forecasts for the video learning 2012:

Increasingly, e-learning is video-based. Avanzo Group, for example, 80% of the content production for companies is based 100% on video. The video is fast-level understanding of the concepts, is very friendly, very effective, can show more than describe. I anticipate that growth in 2012 will be up even higher. Mind you, this does not fit all learning contexts. There are cases in which read (books, papers) is more effective. But for many online training, which requires a very high level of care, the video helps. It is also worth considering that the video has a very high relevance in the mobile, and it is faster a video of 30'' to read a document.

8. Forecasts for Augmented Reality 2012:

Speaks increasingly augmented reality. Why? I think mainly because it is strictly related to mobile learning. Go hand in hand. If I add the functionality of a system as simple as RA as Layar to a mobile device and focused use of the tool for training, I quickly realized that the RA in the context of mobility is more relevant. For example I can create interactive elements in geographic space (in a factory, a plant, a construction site) and these associate training content. Simply desplazándome through space, my mobile device will be the one I report that there are elements to receive training associated with that object or site. Contextualized training and demand. Very effective.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

This video (subtitled in Castilian) describes the advantages of using free and open educational resources.

He held the 3rd place in the "Why is education important open?" organized by the Department of Education in the United States.

What do you think?

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

This video (subtitled in Castilian) describes the advantages of using free and open educational resources.

He held the 3rd place in the "Why is education important open?" organized by the Department of Education in the United States.

What do you think?

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

Social networks are coming into our organizations as instruments of innovation, which makes them powerful strategic tools.

Unfortunately, although its use is available to any organization and seemingly easy application, the most common is that their implementation is a failure.

It is difficult for a group of people effectively share their knowledge with the aim of improving processes, tasks, products or create new ways to sell or produce, but it is especially difficult for them to be carried out.

1. Is the community sponsored? The heads organizational leaders and managers support this type of structure, know your goals, share them and are willing to offer their support in the findings, projects or accomplishments that community who know draw regularly.
2. Is the community well-led? The leader, the community committee and those who have significant roles in the community are considered experts in the organization, have recognized authority on the issues they claim to solve, both for managers and for community members. These leaders are diverse and reflect the different perspectives that exist in the organization.
3. Are the objectives of the community are relevant to the business? The business objectives of the community are very strategic to the company, are clearly stated, are concrete and shared throughout the organization, especially by members of the community. The possible outcomes would have a significant impact on the results or in the way of running the business.
4. Are the roles of the members of the community are clear? All persons belonging to the community clearly know what their role is, how to behave at different stages of development of ideas, especially those with special roles of dynamic knowledge integration-processing or reports, "mentoring" of ideas.
5. Do the procedures are adjusted community? The procedures of the community are set to the same objectives, especially with regard to participation, selection and preparation of the ideas or for actual implementation. People are prepared to take on the established procedures are known and if necessary have been trained in them.
6. Are the resources available to the community meet its goals? Persons have the time and space technologies (virtual or) sufficient to carry out their work, especially with more complex functions roles or more laborious. It has considered how to provide resources to develop ideas and, if necessary, to implement them and monitor them.
7. Is the link between the virtual community and the formal organization is solved? There is awareness among participants that what is discussed there, if a sufficiently high standard, will not stay in a mere conversation but will become reality. The actual organization is willing to listen and resourcing the implementation of the ideas that emerge from the community. Bridges have been established (procedures) between real and virtual organization.
8. Is the technology used is appropriate? The technology is appropriate and tailored to the creative process of discussion and implementation and monitoring if any. Do not choose any technology that has been used for other purposes other communities, or choosing a general purpose technology. Also the tools are operated properly, training is especially important in the case of the facilitators.
9. Does the emotional environment of the community is right? The people in the community feel committed to the objectives, have a passion / urgency of the solutions discussed in the community. There is giving and other emotional conditions for the occurrence of the phenomena of creativity, collective intelligence, involvement in the changes and ideas.
10. Have you planned revitalization activities and processes? Are planned activities (meetings, awards ...) and management processes related to communication, involvement, training, recognition, pay, What happens in the community have consequences outside the community. People are aware of the importance of doing good work in the community as an essential part of their organizational and professional future consideration.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

Social networks are coming into our organizations as instruments of innovation, which makes them powerful strategic tools.

Unfortunately, although its use is available to any organization and seemingly easy application, the most common is that their implementation is a failure.

It is difficult for a group of people effectively share their knowledge with the aim of improving processes, tasks, products or create new ways to sell or produce, but it is especially difficult for them to be carried out.

1. Is the community sponsored? The heads organizational leaders and managers support this type of structure, know your goals, share them and are willing to offer their support in the findings, projects or accomplishments that community who know draw regularly.
2. Is the community well-led? The leader, the community committee and those who have significant roles in the community are considered experts in the organization, have recognized authority on the issues they claim to solve, both for managers and for community members. These leaders are diverse and reflect the different perspectives that exist in the organization.
3. Are the objectives of the community are relevant to the business? The business objectives of the community are very strategic to the company, are clearly stated, are concrete and shared throughout the organization, especially by members of the community. The possible outcomes would have a significant impact on the results or in the way of running the business.
4. Are the roles of the members of the community are clear? All persons belonging to the community clearly know what their role is, how to behave at different stages of development of ideas, especially those with special roles of dynamic knowledge integration-processing or reports, "mentoring" of ideas.
5. Do the procedures are adjusted community? The procedures of the community are set to the same objectives, especially with regard to participation, selection and preparation of the ideas or for actual implementation. People are prepared to take on the established procedures are known and if necessary have been trained in them.
6. Are the resources available to the community meet its goals? Persons have the time and space technologies (virtual or) sufficient to carry out their work, especially with more complex functions roles or more laborious. It has considered how to provide resources to develop ideas and, if necessary, to implement them and monitor them.
7. Is the link between the virtual community and the formal organization is solved? There is awareness among participants that what is discussed there, if a sufficiently high standard, will not stay in a mere conversation but will become reality. The actual organization is willing to listen and resourcing the implementation of the ideas that emerge from the community. Bridges have been established (procedures) between real and virtual organization.
8. Is the technology used is appropriate? The technology is appropriate and tailored to the creative process of discussion and implementation and monitoring if any. Do not choose any technology that has been used for other purposes other communities, or choosing a general purpose technology. Also the tools are operated properly, training is especially important in the case of the facilitators.
9. Does the emotional environment of the community is right? The people in the community feel committed to the objectives, have a passion / urgency of the solutions discussed in the community. There is giving and other emotional conditions for the occurrence of the phenomena of creativity, collective intelligence, involvement in the changes and ideas.
10. Have you planned revitalization activities and processes? Are planned activities (meetings, awards ...) and management processes related to communication, involvement, training, recognition, pay, What happens in the community have consequences outside the community. People are aware of the importance of doing good work in the community as an essential part of their organizational and professional future consideration.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

Studying for the pleasure of learning is the difference between pursuing a formal education and training on their own initiative without the aim of obtaining a titlechange. In the first case just go to a school and spend a few tests with the only stimulus to receive a certificate. In the second the student is not satisfied with so little, but aims to dominate the matter to be able to apply a master in his life and work.

Although it may seem strange, more and more people opt for the latter, especiallythose with a degree in their walls seeking to expand their knowledge. And just asinterested students grows increase educational opportunities: Khan Academy, TED-Ed, Code Academy or EDX are some of the initiatives that have becomereference of this new teaching model. Systems that have made the Internet itsboard and where students and teachers are confused, because the objective is to share both knowledge and the time required for transmission.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

Studying for the pleasure of learning is the difference between pursuing a formal education and training on their own initiative without the aim of obtaining a titlechange. In the first case just go to a school and spend a few tests with the only stimulus to receive a certificate. In the second the student is not satisfied with so little, but aims to dominate the matter to be able to apply a master in his life and work.

Although it may seem strange, more and more people opt for the latter, especiallythose with a degree in their walls seeking to expand their knowledge. And just asinterested students grows increase educational opportunities: Khan Academy, TED-Ed, Code Academy or EDX are some of the initiatives that have becomereference of this new teaching model. Systems that have made the Internet itsboard and where students and teachers are confused, because the objective is to share both knowledge and the time required for transmission.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

The development of the technology begins to cause significant changes in teaching models.  In universities, for example, the traditional crowdedlibraries copies are giving way to digital books (e-books).

This is the case of the Department of Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where digital texts can be downloaded from any terminal to the laptops of the students.

In September, the UTSA opened the first library without books that works in a U.S. university campus

It can accommodate 80 people and houses 425 000 18 000 digital books and digital magazine subscriptions, reports the BBC reporter, Kabir Chibber.

Drastic change

"With better search tools and an increasing availability of digital content, find information became more simple," said Krisellen Maloney, dean of the libraries of the UTSA.

Other study centers follow the same trend.

In 2000, the Kansas State University opened an electronic library, but kept some reference books. Earlier this year, Stanford University took away all the copies, except 10 000 printed volumes of his Library of Engineering.

With these new systems, the library staff now has more time to help students with their queries instead of taking books off the shelves.

But academic publishers have slowed digital publications and for one simple reason: academic texts represent a value about $ 8 billion a year in the U.S.

Publishers and booksellers are not willing to kill the goose that lays golden eggs.

"Business models are changing in the publishing world but in some cases there remains a tendency to print," says Maloney.

"The model (traditional) still remains because the publishers are resisting an alternative," says David Prescott, head of sales at Blackwell's one of the largest academic libraries in the UK

Digital books can be shared and copied many times, as opposed to having 30 books for 30 students.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

The development of the technology begins to cause significant changes in teaching models.  In universities, for example, the traditional crowdedlibraries copies are giving way to digital books (e-books).

This is the case of the Department of Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where digital texts can be downloaded from any terminal to the laptops of the students.

In September, the UTSA opened the first library without books that works in a U.S. university campus

It can accommodate 80 people and houses 425 000 18 000 digital books and digital magazine subscriptions, reports the BBC reporter, Kabir Chibber.

Drastic change

"With better search tools and an increasing availability of digital content, find information became more simple," said Krisellen Maloney, dean of the libraries of the UTSA.

Other study centers follow the same trend.

In 2000, the Kansas State University opened an electronic library, but kept some reference books. Earlier this year, Stanford University took away all the copies, except 10 000 printed volumes of his Library of Engineering.

With these new systems, the library staff now has more time to help students with their queries instead of taking books off the shelves.

But academic publishers have slowed digital publications and for one simple reason: academic texts represent a value about $ 8 billion a year in the U.S.

Publishers and booksellers are not willing to kill the goose that lays golden eggs.

"Business models are changing in the publishing world but in some cases there remains a tendency to print," says Maloney.

"The model (traditional) still remains because the publishers are resisting an alternative," says David Prescott, head of sales at Blackwell's one of the largest academic libraries in the UK

Digital books can be shared and copied many times, as opposed to having 30 books for 30 students.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

What happens to study? ¿Fundamentals of pharmacology, Greek and Roman mythology, introduction to genomics? Who would want to study the classes? ¿Faculty of Stanford University, Princeton, Berkeley?

Well, if you have internet access, all that you can do from home thanks to a program developed in California, USA, in collaboration with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. And it's free.

The program, called Coursera, offers 36 courses designed by renowned professors from the universities of Pennsylvania, Michigan, in addition to those listed above.

Open doors

The founders are Daphne Koller Coursera and Andrew Ng, professors of computer science at Stanford University, who had three of his courses designed for public access so successful that they decided to expand the project and reach a worldwide audience.

"Education is the great leveler. Gives knowledge, enables and empowers people," said Dr. Koller told the BBC. "Stanford has amazing teachers and other institutions of equal level and we wanted to make their courses accessible to students around the world."

Michael Corry, Professor of Education and Technology Leadership at George Washington University (GWU), which offers online home runs, agrees the benefits of distance education and online.

"Remove the obstacles to higher education presents opportunities no matter where they are and opens doors previously closed to many" he said.

Professor Corry emphasizes what he calls "structured flexibility" of the online courses. By that he means that, within an established framework can be adjusted when a student takes the class, does the corresponding work and examinations according to their own agenda.

"That is key for many students who have full time jobs. They like him a lot," he said.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE

What happens to study? ¿Fundamentals of pharmacology, Greek and Roman mythology, introduction to genomics? Who would want to study the classes? ¿Faculty of Stanford University, Princeton, Berkeley?

Well, if you have internet access, all that you can do from home thanks to a program developed in California, USA, in collaboration with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. And it's free.

The program, called Coursera, offers 36 courses designed by renowned professors from the universities of Pennsylvania, Michigan, in addition to those listed above.

Open doors

The founders are Daphne Koller Coursera and Andrew Ng, professors of computer science at Stanford University, who had three of his courses designed for public access so successful that they decided to expand the project and reach a worldwide audience.

"Education is the great leveler. Gives knowledge, enables and empowers people," said Dr. Koller told the BBC. "Stanford has amazing teachers and other institutions of equal level and we wanted to make their courses accessible to students around the world."

Michael Corry, Professor of Education and Technology Leadership at George Washington University (GWU), which offers online home runs, agrees the benefits of distance education and online.

"Remove the obstacles to higher education presents opportunities no matter where they are and opens doors previously closed to many" he said.

Professor Corry emphasizes what he calls "structured flexibility" of the online courses. By that he means that, within an established framework can be adjusted when a student takes the class, does the corresponding work and examinations according to their own agenda.

"That is key for many students who have full time jobs. They like him a lot," he said.

VIEW COMPLETE ARTICLE