The MOOCS in Higher Education: DIY Degrees and Diplomas

Do we see the end of traditional classroom-led universities? MOOCS or Massive open online courses offered by the leading universities challenges the traditional university teaching in classroom setting. Some like the MIT and Harvard even offer courses for anyone who wishes to enrol anywhere in the world for free. Although in its initial stages, the emerging developments could make the traditional teaching redundant and sustain the research-led universities and institutions. Here, the author sees the age of Do-It-Yourself qualifications where the learners choose those courses that would suit the awarding criteria of a given university and submit for certification by paying a small fee. The learners will be able to walk into an accredited test center and do the exams and assessments before claiming degrees and diplomas from an accredited awarding body or university.