MOOCs will only work if they garner a reputation of providing education relevant to employers or even lead to jobs. Also important are college connections to bu

MOOCs will only work if they garner a reputation of providing education relevant to employers or even lead to jobs. Also important are college connections to businesses to facilitate internships. Internships can really make or break you in same cases. I know most MOOC courses are up to par. I've taken several and the introductory Python programming course at Udacity was more difficult than any of the classes from my arts degree. Right now, a certificate from a MOOC is about as worthless as a certificate I make for myself. I could take those Python skills and do useful things that would make me stand out among other candidates, but that requires a willing ear. Rare exceptions are employers who are actually aware of MOOCs and also favorable to the idea. I could sell the idea of a MOOC in an interview, even show what I've learned, but getting the interview with MOOC credentials seems very suspect unless you find that aware employer. The idea of MOOCs (free education that leads to employment) threatens colleges, but I don't think the existing MOOCs are currently having an impact on price. When they will begin to have an impact is anyone's guess.