Thurn, the Vice President for Google and educator for Stanford University has begun to revolutionize education in the classroom. Many critics say our school system is stuck in the past and needs to be remodeled. This past January he taught a free online artificial-intelligence class and it drew hundreds of thousands of students. That class was so amazing he didn't want to teach an ordinary traditional classroom. Thurn has come up with Udacity, it's an education company. Udacity is strictly on-line classes and they're free!! These online classes are taught by star professors around the world. Thurn has a staff of producers, editors, designers, camera men, etc. to help him turn his videos into something intriguing, entertaining, and exciting so students will want to learn.
At the end of the article he mentions he's not trying to do away with tradition schools he just wants to give a message of hope. He compares his education company to movies. As films grew they were able to reach the masses and in doing this they were able to lower the price for the audience.
I believe Thurn has a good idea but I question how is he going to afford to make these videos for the online classes with no tuition? Yes, there is a small fee for exams and certification but I'm sure not everyone will pay to get those services. Also, I wonder with all these small charter schools and online schools popping up over night they have no reputation so will careers and other colleges such as graduate schools recognize them as something legitimate? For students who really have no means monetarily to go to college or further their education these schools can benefit them more than not learning anything at all. Most students I know want to go to graduate school or get a masters and I don't see someone going to Udacity and furthering that "degree" at a traditional college to a master or doctorate degree. Also, I agree with the critics that our school system should be remodeled. I think traditional colleges should "flip" some of their classes to make them more interesting and have students wanting to wake up and go to class because it puts them in a better mood. My EDM 310 class has been by far the most hands-on class I've had in college and I absolutely love going to that class even if it is a night time class. I find myself engaged and I remember things that are said or done better than any other class. This is how more college classes should be whether they're online or in a classroom.
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