Coursera Signature Track

[Martin Macke]

Bei Coursera wird es künftig die Möglichkeit geben, sweine Identität nachzuweisen und damit sicher zu stellen, dass die Kurse auch von einem selber bearbeitet wurden. Im Kurs Genetics and Evolution wird das aktuell erstmalig probiert. Diese Mail wurde dazu an die Teilnehmer versandt:

The Signature Track offers:

Identity Verification. Create a special profile to link your coursework to your real identity using your photo ID and unique typing pattern.

Verified Certificates. Earn official recognition from Duke University and Coursera for your accomplishment with a verifiable electronic certificate.

Certifiable Course Records. Share your electronic course records with employers, educational institutions, or anyone else through a unique, secure URL.

Identity Verification

To join Introduction to Genetics and Evolution's Signature Track, you'll build a Signature Profile that links your coursework to your identity. Your Signature Profile includes your photo ID, as well as your Signature Phrase, a biometric profile of your unique typing pattern. Every time you submit coursework, you'll authenticate your identity by typing your Signature Phrase, which is matched to your profile.

Verified Certificates and Certifiable Course Records

When you successfully complete Introduction to Genetics and Evolution's Signature Track, you'll receive a Verified Certificate issued by Duke University and Coursera. You'll also be able to electronically share your course performance in a verified format via our Certifiable Course Records page. Your Verified Certificate does not include credit towards a degree, nor does it make you a student at Duke University. Instead, the Verified Certificate proves you met the passing criteria and deadlines, as outlined in the Grading Policy, of this rigorous online course.

When to Join

You will be able to join Introduction to Genetics and Evolution's Signature Track beginning early next week. The option to join will end three weeks after it opens, to allow for a substantive portion of your coursework to be linked to your identity.

Price

As part of a special promotion, beginning early next week, you can join Introduction to Genetics and Evolution's Signature Track for $49. This is a special discount from the regular price of $90.

Verified certification for courses opens up many new and valuable opportunities for students, while giving Duke University the ability to invest in continuing to provide high-quality free courses to students around the world. Free access to this and all of the courses on Coursera will remain available to all students, as part of our core mission of making high-quality education available to everyone.

Other Options

Joining Introduction to Genetics and Evolution's Signature Track is OPTIONAL. ***You can still fully participate in the course if you decide not to join.*** The course will still offer the standard 'Statement of Accomplishment' if you successfully complete the free course. However, as has been the norm, the Statement of Accomplishment will contain language and elements that state the uncertainty regarding your identity.

We know you may have questions. When Introduction to Genetics and Evolution's Signature Track opens, we will post a Signature Track Handbook and FAQ page. In the meantime, please check out our press release and blog post. We hope that you're as excited about the Signature Track as we are, and we look forward to having you on board!

[Markus Jung]

Damit wird dann aber doch nur sichergestellt, dass der Einsender der Hausarbeit derjenige ist, der er vorgibt zu sein und nicht, dass er die Hausarbeit auch selbst erstellt hat, oder?

[Martin Macke]

So sehe ich das auch. Es ist ein kleiner Schritt. Es sieht fuer mich so aus, dass die Open Courseware Anbieter in die Richtung gehen, kostenpflichtige Examen anzubieten.

[Markus Jung]

Ja, diese Entwicklung sehe ich auch - einerseits um Einnahmen zu erzielen, andererseits weil Abschlüsse gefordert werden. Es gibt auch einen Anbieter, der Prüfungen in Präsenzform anbietet (mir fällt im Moment nicht ein, welcher das ist).

Ich könnte mir vorstellen, dass es künftig immer mehr Inhalte frei erhältlich geben wird, und für Betreuung, Prüfungen etc. fallen dann Kosten an.