Millions of people around the world are now able to get free online access to courses produced by some of the top universities in the United States and elsewhere. In addition, some schools are refining the online model to enable students to have access to a wider range of for-credit courses taught by professors at leading universities. Boosters suggest these courses could reduce the cost of higher education as fewer teachers are needed, increase access to the best university minds, help stimulate technological advances, and build communities of learners. But will they fulfill their promise? This panel, which will consist of several key creators and providers of such massive open online courses (MOOCs), will discuss the rapidly developing trend while addressing crucial questions about how MOOCs might help fill the STEM pipeline.
