Dive Summary:
- Coursera says it has taken in more than $1 million for the paid certifications it offers as verification that students have passed their online courses.
- The $1 million doesn't quite compare to the $65 million in funding the startup has received, but the paid certification option was only started in January and may bode well for cash flow.
- Two of the biggest reasons for optimism: Coursera is still expanding its partnerships and reach, and the certifications it offers might be gaining more weight with employers.
From the article:
... There are, of course, many very valid concerns that need to be discussed as MOOCs, tech companies, startups and schools themselves rush to integrate technology and tear down the ivory walls around traditional higher education. Questions like these are becoming increasingly important to ponder: Are MOOCs best used as a platform for continuing education — to re-train, brush up on subjects and for general edification purposes — or as a viable alternative (or even replacement) for the traditional college degree? ...
