Oxford University, the highest ranked university in the world, will offer massive open online courses (MOOCs) for free soon. It is said that it will be joining other prominent institutions like Harvard, Berkeley and MIT starting February 2017. It will enter into partnership with edX, a non-profit online learning institution, to offer an economics class "From Poverty to Prosperity: Understanding Economic Development."
The idea of online learning for free has just caught the attention of the United States. Since Oxford University will provide for free online economics class, it is said that it will be a perfect place for higher education. According to Digital Trends, educational qualifications are not essential, but an interest to the subject is required.
According to a statement of Oxford University, Sir Paul Collier, the Oxford and Public Policy professor, will be the one who will teach the courses and will determine the significant role of the government in boosting the development of the economy.
Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government Dean Professor Ngaire Woods reminded that the mission of the school is focused on the improvement of the government all around the world through education and research. This mission requires better educated citizens, public officials, entrepreneurs, journalists and teachers.
He also said that this may be an effective way to make knowledge expand more beyond the classrooms of Oxford. The first massive open online course will also help people know how their country and their community could flourish no matter where they are in the world.
Currently, enrolment is ongoing through edX's platform. Students who will be taking the six-week course will have need to spend two to three hours per week. After the course closes, the materials will be available for distribution. At the end of the course training, it is expected that students will understand the role of the government in economic development according to Engadget.
