The Perspectives of Dr. Karen Head and Thomas Friedman on the Effectiveness of Online Writing Courses

The Perspectives of Dr. Karen Head and Thomas Friedman on the Effectiveness of Online Writing Courses
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The Perspectives of Dr. Karen Head and Thomas Friedman on the Effectiveness of Online Writing Courses
Education is one of the sectors that have witnessed major changes in the recent times. Among the changes in education, is the adoption of the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which have greatly impacted the way of learning not only in the US, but also in many countries in the world. Despite the perceived benefits of the system of education, it is faced with controversies with some education stakeholders portraying it as a costly education system with little value to the society. This is contrary to other views suggesting that MOOCs is a cheaper model of teaching, which has benefited many students especially in higher education, as more students can be reached in different places, by a single instructor (Friedman). Although different people have contradicting views pertaining to the approach of education, majority of them agree that the model is of little value in the sense that it denies student-tutor interaction, which is important in the process of learning. Such divergent views and opinions about MOOCs resonate from Freidman and Head, although they both believe the concept is great and has the potential to revolutionize the higher education system for both the current and future students’ needs (Friedman). However, Head differs with Friedman on the effectiveness of MOOCs, distrusting its viability to attain it alleged potential of reaching out for more students, simplifying the studying process and handing over the right skills and knowledge as compared to the traditional system of education. Friedman believes that if adequately adopted and developed, MOOCs can be one of the most affordable and convenient education system for many students all over the world, capable of positively transforming people’s lives especially form ignorance and poverty.
Head and Friedman both believe that MOCCs is still underdeveloped all over the world. For the model to properly develop, it would require a long time and the collaboration of learning institutions, government and other relevant stakeholders. Such partners should work diligently, bearing in mind the existence of some barriers, both political and logistical that may delay the process, and working hard to combat such barriers if the ultimate dream is to be realized. For instance, Head believes there are some problems to do with the issue of evaluation criteria for those pursuing MOOCs, besides the problems of safety and privacy, which have lacked substantial attention. She complains that the system offer inflexible rubrics where evaluators are unable to include their explanations when providing scores to students’ essays. In response to these claims, Friedman shares professional’s perspective on the issue, affirming that various institutions that have adopted MOOCs are pursuing ways through which to perfect student evaluation and the awarding of credentials. When this is eventually achieved, the model of education would ease the access to higher education, giving the opportunity to many students to advance their education, changing the...