Enjoy free online classes from prestigious university

As I thumbed through a magazine in my doctor’s office, I saw an article about free online courses offered by top universities. I wrote down the websites addresses to get more information. That was five months ago! I have almost completed my first class, Model Thinking, from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. The class has nothing to do with clothes or a runway. It is challenging and most interesting.

Professor Scott Page demonstrates a variety of models that are used by economists, financiers, strategic planners, and other high level decision-makers throughout the United States and the world. He starts out with very simple examples to demonstrate how the models work. Gradually, and with repetitive recall of prior points of discussion, Professor Page explains how communities change culturally and ethnically, how the US Government decided to bail out financial institutions, and international commerce and relationships. Algebraic equations are used but are not intimidating. I will complete the class in three weeks and receive a certificate of completion.

My original plan was to pursue classes that count toward a paralegal certification. There are only three legal classes offered on Coursera; however, I will comb the site regularly for course additions. I recently signed up for a class that will be taught by a law professor in England. In the meantime, I will take music classes which sound fun and will count as professional development.

When I first read about free university classes, there were only four websites available. According to the link below, there are now 7 free education websites. I will check to see if any of them offer law classes.

http://toteachornototeach.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/7-free-education-websites-you-dont-want-to-miss/

Coursera.org sent an email survey to people registered on their site. From the questioned asked, it appears that major universities are considering offering an increasing number of credit courses online. It sounds like anyone who wants to take free classes should take them while the taking is good. Enjoy the free classes while you can still take them.