Here’s the release from Colorado State University:
Colorado State University’s newest free online course, popularly known as a MOOC, or massive open online course, is open for registration. “Water, Civilization, and Nature: Addressing Water Challenges of the 21st Century” begins Jan. 27, 2014 and runs through March 23.
“CSU OnlinePlus strives to deliver current and cutting-edge online programs to meet the changing needs of students and industry demand,” said Jordan Fritts, CSU OnlinePlus interim associate provost. “In support of Colorado State University’s land-grant charge to expand access to high quality education, we’re excited to offer this water MOOC as a relevant resource for our own campus community.”
Anyone can register for a MOOC. Students don’t have to be admitted to Colorado State University, don’t have to meet any prerequisites or have a certain GPA, and best of all, they don’t have to pay a dime.
The variety of student populations participating in MOOCs across the globe enriches the experience with perspectives from different backgrounds.
The University’s first two MOOCs offered this summer saw more than 1,000 students from nearly all 50 states, and 41 other countries around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ghana, Japan, India, Hungary, Sweden, and more.
Water, Civilization, and Nature: Addressing Water Challenges of the 21st Century
CSU showcases its nationally renowned reputation in the water industry in this free online course that addresses recent water issues.
“During the course students will have an opportunity to explore a wide variety of pressing challenges related to water, learn about innovative approaches to addressing these challenges, and see how the issues affect both the larger groups of people and individuals like themselves,” said Glenn Patterson, MOOC facilitator and CSU water faculty.
Climate change, water disasters, and agriculture and irrigation issues have impacted our water supply, creating questions and amplifying challenges we as a community continually face. Patterson and nine other expert Colorado State faculty with expertise in water resources tackle those questions and more in this free online course.
“This MOOC is a new way for our faculty to share the breadth and depth of their water research,” explained Reagan Waskom, director of the Colorado Water Institute and Colorado State University Water Center. “We hope this course inspires students to think more deeply about water and offers a fun and different way to learn more about water issues.”
Registration for “Water, Civilization, and Nature: Addressing Water Challenges of the 21st Century” is open now at the OnlinePlus website. Those interested in other MOOCs can visit the website for course details and registration information, or contact the CSU MOOC team with questions, (970) 491-5288
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