Stephen Downes

Martin calls these "hard questions" for MOOCs, but to me they're an indication of how deeply the concept of open online learning has been co-opted. Consider:

• "Now we are seeing pricing models for MOOCs, it turns out that in order to amass enough credits for a degree, you'd end up paying quite a lot."
• "Surprise! They're not that cheap, particularly because unis often want them to be showcase products..."
• "iTunes brand trumped the University one effectively.... I think a similar 'MOOC platform trumps university brand' battle may arise with MOOCs."
• "the typical demographic of MOOCs being highly qualified, independent learners from a well off background."

So, maybe all these re issues. Or maybe they represent a certain story that was told about MOOCs by a few VC-backed entrepreneurs, stories that were at odds with the stories being told by practitioners of open online learning who have been around for a couple decades or more. Honestly, I don't care wither the Coursera or even the FutureEd model of MOOCs lives or dies. I do care whether individuals can access open online learning. And this is a much wider world than the pundits would have you believe.