Are 'MOOCS' the future of higher education?

Let me start with a disclaimer. I am a graduate of the Open University. Teaching standards there were excellent. One never felt isolated even though it was delivered through distance learning. Perhaps most importantly the courses undertaken were always interesting. So when a new venture in distance learning begins or is beginning to take off it fascinates me and part of me instinctively gravitates towards supporting it.

The OU is just one of 23 HE institutions that have launched 'Futurelearn' based around free access to their courses for anybody to enrol in, the eponymous MOOCS (massive online open courses).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24109190

The question is, is this the way forward and if it is, is that a good thing?

Critics suggest that they miss the point of university life. The teaching is there, but it is dry and not brought to life in the way it can be in person. Nor does the student get the University lifestyle experience. Added to this is the factor of the potential for a very high drop out rate. Many do sign up for new courses online but many also drop out.

Let me address that last point first. In some ways it's actually a positive for a student. They can try a course, for free, and if discovering its not for them, drop out without financial penalty. At the same time they will have experienced, however briefly, a level of teaching from a institution they may never have considered. Perhaps they will try several courses before settling on one. The point is that they can.

As to the suggestion that courses are less vibrant, this underplays the ability of the institutions involved to deliver entertaining learning in the digital age. There are many ways to involve and engage people on these courses.

My greatest overriding concern would be if these courses were looked at to replace degrees. They cannot offer the same depth of learning and experience perhaps. What they can offer though is access and opportunity and a broadening of intellectual experience and that can only be a good thing.

We do not know how far MOOCS will go or how successful they will be. As an OU alumnus however I can only say that their involvement encourages only confidence and optimism on my behalf.