MITx Article

What is MITx?

1. Synopsis of the article - This article is about MIT's new online education program, MITx. The goal of MITx is to offer quality education to those who do not have access to it. MITx will also be used by MIT students as a supplement to the education they get in school. The program itself is free but a fee is needed to obtain a credential.
2. Identify the stakeholders (people who have a vested interest in the scenario) - The stakeholders in this scenario are people who do not have access to quality education, the college education system, and students at MIT. 
3. Identify AND describe the social and ethical issues related to the article - The social and ethical issues are equality of access and globalization and cultural diversity. This scenario is related to equality of access because many of the people who will use MITx do not have access to quality education. An issue with MITx is that a computer is needed to access it, so some people will not be able to use it. This scenario relates to globalization and cultural diversity because everybody can use MITx, not just the students admitted.
4. Identify the area of impact (look at the front board on the left) - The area of impact related to this situation is education and training. 
5. Describe the advantages/benefits in your example? One benefit of MITx is that many people can have access to quality education. It also serves as a reinforcement of what MIT students learn in class. 
6. Describe the disadvantages/costs in your example? A disadvantage of MITx is that people without computers cannot access it. Another disadvantage is that while the education is free, learners will have to pay a fee to obtain a credential.
7. What is your opinion of the issue? I think that MITx is a very good idea that can potentially help to educate many people. High school and college students can use it as a supplement to their education, much like they use Khan Academy currently. 
8. Would you take advantage of MITx? Do you think other people will take advantage of it? Explain. - I would take advantage of MITx. Although I find online courses difficult because there is no direct contact with a teacher, I believe that MITx could be a supplement to my education. I think that other people will take advantage of the program depending on the level of difficulty the classes offer. If the classes do not offer a beginner's level, many people will not have enough background knowledge to successfully pass the class. 

Podcast on the Vault150 Security Module

Podcast

Screencast

Screencast Assignment: Create a mixed CD