13138

13138

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (20 minutes, no formal paper)

Desiree DePriest, Kaplan University, Chicago, USA, ddepriest@kaplan.edu Dawn Giannoni, Kaplan University, Chicago, USA, dgiannoni@kaplan.edu
 * The Fifth Dimension Series - MOOCs_When Admission is Free - Students Pay to Get Out **

Abstract: The emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is attracting attention comparable to the technology bubble of the late 1990s. From academic associations on LinkedIn to trade magazines, MOOCs are being debated and discussed with rigor. The concept of offering free higher education to learners appears optimal for many with limited funds seeking advanced education. MOOCs are free, yet they offer no degrees, certifications or credentials for completion. MOOCS attracted over $100m of private venture capital investment in 2012, as well as enthusiastic support from global information industry giants. It is not easy to understand why Milton Friedman-inspired corporations, whose only social responsibility is to increase profits, are investing in MOOCs without a model for return on investment (ROI). The research considers the foreseeable future of corporate and educational interests in MOOCs and how that can be leveraged for their self-interest and competitive advantage. It explores the potential ROI MOOCs offer to corporations and for-profit universities. The profitability in gathering big data and, ultimately, what learners are actually paying for free Massive Open Online Courses is examined. It considers the current debate on accrediting MOOCs, and, the future impact MOOCs will have on employers in a society of learned yet non-credentialed applicants.

All Audiences MOOCs, corporations, 5 forces competitive model, higher education, online learning, accreditation, certifications, admissions, tuition, student loans, employment, employers, funders, stakeholders, browsers, consumer tracking, advertisements, text mining, personal information, students, learners