Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Providers of Free MOOC's Now Charge Employers for Access to Student Data

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

Another business model fpr MOOCs. This one is a bit unique - it doesn't charge the students, or even government. It charges employers. "Providers of free online courses are officially in the headhunting business, bringing in revenue by selling to employers information about high-performing students who might be a good fit for open jobs." It does make the case clear, that education expenditures, always viewed as a benefit directed toward studnets, are in fact a corporate subsidy, relieving companies of the need to train staff. Interestingly, the corporations who pay for data herepay for more than just marks. "They also highlight students who frequently help others in discussion forums. Mr. Thrun, of Udacity, said those 'softer skills' are often more useful to employers than raw academic performance."

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Nov 22, 2024 3:16 p.m.

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