In January, the University of Oklahoma started offering MOOCs via their Janux platform. For the Fall semester, nine MOOCs are starting on August 18th, one of of which is offering optional paid credit.

The three-credit-hour Janux course, “Intro to Computer Programming”, gives students a comprehensive understanding of computer programming, an introduction to Java, for a total cost of $599 (a discount from the standard per-credit fee). Students will learn how to a) analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution b) design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs, and c) apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Intro to Computer Programming Intro Video

To obtain credit, you will need to register and pay, and take your exams via ProctorU, an online testing service that will verify your identify proctor the exams. People in Norman, Oklahoma have the option of visiting campus to take exams there.

This is a fairly new trend to offer college credit for MOOCs, though it has been done in the past (e.g. Penn State University offered their Coursera MOOC ‘Presumed Innocent? The Social Science of Wrongful Conviction for credit for $999).

Janux

The University of Oklahoma (OU) has partnered with NextThought to develop the Janux Interactive Learning Community, available to anyone with internet access. Janux was developed as part of OU’s broader efforts to use technology to improve the student experience and broaden access to higher education and academic content. OU’s 19 courses are diverse and  belonging to Science, Humanities, CS, and others. Chemistry of Beer made it to our ten most popular moocs for August.

Introduction to Janux platform

Source: OU Open Course Now Available to Anyone for Credit and at Discounted Rate
Image Source: OU Web Communications