[towlesda]

MOOCs are great for people who want to learn on their own (although no different than classes in college, some are more valuable than others). I'm not sure of the value these bring in getting a job, but the learning value makes them very worthwhile.

[visarga]

> MOOCs are great for people who want to learn on their own

MOOC + in person coaching could solve the problem. We don't need professors, we need coaches (experts in education, psychologists) to keep people motivated and not drop off. Also, in large cities study groups could generate the same feeling as going to a real class.

What we are missing in MOOCs is the motivational effect of meeting people (in real life) who are serious about learning and seeing them work hard. That is what makes us believe we can do it too.

[bayesianhorse]

MOOCs are even better for people who have to learn on their own. Which is almost anyone, most of the time. You usually don't have time or money for degrees in multiple fields, so most "continued learning" if not in very rigid programs, is essentially "learning on your own".