Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are online courses that make learning about different subjects accessible to all. With the internet at your fingertips you can learn a new topic/skill that will help elevate your STEM career. After taking several Coursera.org courses I decided to explore other MOOC sites and I came across Edx.org.
Image Credit: Edx.org
Edx.org has a different look than Coursera.org and from my first glance at the site I can tell that Edx.org wants the online learning experience to be user-friendly. Before you take a course on Edx.org there is a free self-paced DemoX course that will help you get familiar with how Edx.org works.
Like Coursera.org, Edx.org has courses in many disciplines. There is a good range of STEM courses that will help me in my STEM career. As far as pricing goes Edx.org offers free courses and has an option available to pay to earn a verified certificate.
When you take your course there are many ways to earn your grade. Most courses have quizzes, final exams, assessments and a final project. While you are taking your course you can keep track of your progress on the site and use the interactive discussion forum. Another thing I like about Edx.org is that many of the courses are self-paced. This was a great option for me because I like the flexibility to take the courses on my own time. If you are a fan of Coursera.org I recommend Edx.org for online learning needs.
Courses I’m Currently Taking/Starting Soon:
How to Survive your Ph.D. – The Thesis Whisperer, Dr. Inger Mewburn’s Course
Epidemics
An Introduction to Global Health
Past Courses:
The Immune System: New Developments in Research
Fundamentals of Immunology
If you are interested in immunology and global health check out these courses on Edx.org.
So far I’m enjoying the How to Survive your Ph.D.. course. Even though I’m not in a Ph.D. Program I want to learn as much as I can to prepare. *Update: This course was amazing, especially the imposter syndrome section. It also made me realize I am interested in the intersection of STEM, education and communication. Now I need to explore what it takes to be a director/manager of a STEM program.
Have you checked out Edx.org? Comment below.