The traditional course model online doesn't make sense. Online courses. If they don't stink, they don't scale. You can't clone the expert and the web doesn't run on semesters. We tried to fix some of the obvious problems by re-imagining online learning. We call the result "challenges" but it's really just another word for online courses that make sense.
What is a challenge?
A Challenge is a fun way to learn with peers at your own pace. A Challenge begins with a problem that you are asked to solve. In order to do so you move through different tasks, work with others and most importantly "make things" - e.g. write a poem, take a photo, build an application. Along the way you earn badges that highlight both technical skills and community contributions. Challenges don't have start or stop dates - you can tackle one at any time (for example right now).
- No start or stop dates - users learn at their own pace
- Solving real problems that have multiple solutions
- By doing, building & making rather than learning about
- Questions, tasks & resources provide a path to follow
- Collaboration and community support are baked in
- And mentors help newcomers find their way
- A rich online record of participation enables assessment of higher order skills
More:
Check out examples -> http://p2pu.org/en/schools/school-of-webcraft/sets/webmaking-101/
Learn to design a challenge -> http://p2pu.org/en/groups/make-a-challenge/
Read the FAQ -> http://pad.p2pu.org/challenge101
Watch the short overview video -> http://vimeo.com/35153616
Evaluation of pilot (coming soon) -> ...