[noelsequeira]

There seems to be a fair amount cynicism around the business model (rather, the lack thereof) for these MOOC services. I personally believe that an interesting monetization model lies in examinations. EdX seems to be exploring proctored examinations with Pearson, but if someone can come up with a credible, non-game-able, non-proctored alternative, there's a lot of value to be created/captured.

Completing one of these courses along with the accompanying assignments only takes you so far. Grades in a rigorous examination, however, represent a credential, which in turn sets up much needed (by the candidates taking the course) signaling. Eventually, a lot of employers might end up becoming sensitive to this signaling. A crude example of this can be found here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3353543

If (and when) someone does crack this puzze and if employers in turn, react to this change, I see a lot of universities more than breaking a sweat. This latent potential is what, IMHO, most analysts / investors are really upbeat about.

[zackham]

I was involved in distance education at our local university for a number of years and we vetted remote proctors. In the rare case where getting a proctor to watch the student didn't pan out, I've seen webcam + screensharing used as an accepted alternative. Seems like this approach could be improved upon and scaled.

[001sky]

There seems to be a fair amount cynicism around the business model

--Business model is protecting non-profit status of $NBillion hedge funds with an education wing.