Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ A first-of-its-kind Ohio program offers thousands of free training courses from libraries

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

At first glance it seems like just the thing to cheer about. "Ohio will be the first state to expand its online library learning program statewide, allowing any Ohioan with a valid library card to take thousands of small, free online courses, whether for fun or to bolster a work resume." But I wondered, why limit it to Ohioans? Then I discovered why. According to Cleveland.com, "it entered a three-year, $710,000 yearly contract with LinkedIn to provide Ohioans free access to online courses with the social media company's Lynda.com service." OK, that seems a lot less than Lynda's going rate (roughly $300/year per person). But only if at least 2400 or so people use it (and I imagine the more it gets used the more the cost to Ohio will increase). It's still better than nothing. But it's not the best it could be.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Nov 24, 2024 05:08 a.m.

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