Similarities and Differences in the Opinions of Karen Head and Thomas Friedman on MOOCs

Comparison and contrast of Karen and Thomas on MOOCs
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Many scholars and professional have said much on the issue of massive open online courses. There have been similarities and differences in the opinions of the different scholars. Karen Head and Thomas Friedman have had their say on the MOOCs and their ability to deliver writing instruction online. This paper analyses the similarities and the differences in the opinions of the two but with more inclination on the differences.
Both of those two professionals have expressed their optimism in the improvement of the MOOCs in the future. They can also be said to appreciate the essence of the MOOCs though in two different angles. However, there are evident differences in the opinions of the two professionals about the MOOCs and their ability to offer instructions online.
It is broadly clear that Thomas Friedman is more inclined to the achievements and positivity on the MOOCs. On the other hand, Karen Head seems more inclined to a negative view of the MOOCs and their ability to offer instructions online.
Thomas Friedman opinionates that; MOOCs have brought about revolution in the higher education. He bases this argument on the ability of the MOOCs to offer opportunities for higher education to those that would not have otherwise fitted in the conventional classes. It is on the basis of this that Thomas
Karen Head does no visualize the revolution in higher education that Thomas Friedman associates to the MOOCs. Instead, she points out to the low retention that is associated with the MOOCs. She points out that, online courses have led to low retention due to the fact that the learners are fed with the materials without getting the chance for reflective moments or proper evaluation. This diminishes the creativity and innovation that should naturally accompany higher education. In essence, Karen notes that there is no accurate measure of success in the MOOCs. This is a great set back in this aspect because any mode of education should have proper method of evaluation that is objective and not subjective.
Friedman asserts that MOOCs have the greatest potential to open people's minds to solve the greatest world problems. This is because, he envisions MOOCs as providing affordable education to the masses hence they are able to get good jobs or to improve on the performance in their curre...