I am just finishing my
first course, Introduction to Genetics and Evolution. It’s a Coursera course (when I found out
about MOOCs I also found out about other MOOC providers though Coursera is the
largest), taught by an amazing professor from Duke University, Professor
Noor. He’s an inspired teacher, teaching
with zest and humour and so much enthusiasm for his subject it rubs off on all
his students. I have loved every minute
of it, finding the course interesting as
well as challenging – last time I did any biology I was 14 so it was quite a
steep learning curve for me. Each week
there is a set of videos to download and
watch (multiple times in some cases for me) then once a week a problem set to
do online. Two exams, one mid-term and a
final, which I hope to do next weekend.
I love having a deadline to work to – it’s only with a deadline that I
accomplish anything. I think that’s a
sign of natural laziness J Then
next week my next course starts – Forensic Psychology by the Open University,
though the MOOC provider is Future Learn, then in June another Coursera course,
Animal Behaviour though Melbourne University then in September I’m doing a
course in American contemporary poetry. Might
tuck in a few others in between. Can
barely remember what I did before I started this! And I only started in January this year!
These MOOCs should
come with a health warning – seriously addictive!
Till next time J
