Remember when I complained how Minnesota has an odd law that bans certain online courses including the free (awesome) ones provided by Coursera?
Common sense has won the day!
Larry Pogemiller, director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, has issued this statement:
Obviously, our office encourages lifelong learning and wants Minnesotans to take advantage of educational materials available on the Internet, particularly if they’re free. No Minnesotan should hesitate to take advantage of free, online offerings from Coursera.
When the legislature convenes in January, my intent is to work with the Governor and Legislature to appropriately update the statute to meet modern-day circumstances. Until that time, I see no reason for our office to require registration of free, not-for-credit offerings.
It is a brighter day indeed. 🙂
